Last year was an unparalleled annual in Milwaukee microbrewing. In 2016 alone, Third Space, Good City, and Urban Harvest opened in town. Black Husky, MobCraft, and Like Minds opened tap rooms in town, and Enlightened underwent a significant expansion. Things don’t seem to be slowing down in 2017, with Explorium recently opening in Greendale, City Lights further illuminating Menomonee Valley, along with both Westallion and 1840 Brewing Company on their way before year’s end. With any luck, Gathering Place Brewing Company will join the bustling Milwaukee brewery scene this year as well, but they need a little help.
On Tuesday, the forthcoming Riverwest brewery launched a Kickstarter campaign with the intention of raising $25,000 to help get the Gathering Place over the financial hump. In an accompanying video, founder and president Joe Yeado shows “the space that will become Gathering Place,” while detailing his own brewing past and his relevant background that spans a decade.
Yeado won third place in both the 2013 and 2014 Samuel Adams home brew competitions, in addition to 22 brewing awards “from throughout the Midwest” in 2016 (including three first place ribbons at last year’s Wisconsin State Fair). He says he aspires to make world class beer in Milwaukee and a place for the community to gather. Adding to the community motif, Yeado pledges Gathering Place will donate at least 1 percent of each fiscal quarter’s sales to local non-profit organizations.
With tanks purchased and demolition complete, Yeado says the $25,000 will be used to purchase a walk-in cooler and to construct a bar. Rewards range from a Gathering Place pint glass ($20 donation) for the opportunity to host a private party for 25 people ($750), and even the right to name a brewing tank ($2,000). Through one day, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $1,175. It has 29 days to either solicit the remaining funds, or refund backers.