ST. CHARLES, Ill. -- The Pride Stores Inc. is hoping to add a new concept to its portfolio of convenience stores and eateries. The retailer is working on launching a nanobrewery connected to its liquor-store offshoot and fast-casual restaurant, according to a report by the Daily Herald.
A nanobrewery is a scaled-down microbrewery that makes beer in smaller batches.
The convenience-store chain is applying for a liquor license that will allow customers to grab a brew at the chain’s 93 Octane Brewery, pair it with a burger or salad from the attached American fare restaurant Urban Counter and then bring home some libations from The Pride Beer and Wine plus Spirits. The businesses, all already operational except for the brewery, share a parking lot with one of the 12-unit c-store chain’s gas stations.
Pride’s 18-seat tap room will feature a New England pale ale, a stout and seasonal brews, developed in collaboration with a Michigan brewing company, the report said. The retailer plans to offer brewery tours and a barrel aging program as well.
"We've always supported local craft everything," Chris Peckat, marketing manager for the St. Charles, Ill.-based retailer, told the newspaper. "We want to have the chance to actually create a brewery in St. Charles and supply our locations with a great beer and a great product."
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