Main Street in Edwardsville, Ill., has a lot to offer – from restaurants and cafes to a wine bar and a movie theater. Now, Main Street also will become a destination for craft beer drinkers this fall when Recess Brewing opens its doors at 307 N. Main St.
“My wife and I love the area,” said Matt Flach, owner and head brewer for Recess Brewing. “There’s an up-and-coming food and beer scene [here]. I thought a brewery would fit perfectly. It will go well with Cleveland-Heath, Peel, even Chop House.”
Flach began home brewing about eight years ago. Since then, he’s become active with home-brewing clubs and participated in home-brewer competitions. Recess Brewing marks his jump into professional brewing
Flach plans to brew four year-round beers, as well as five to six seasonals. “People always ask me, ‘What’s your favorite beer?’ I tell them I’m a seasonal drinker,” Flach said. He also looks to use local ingredients in his brews as often as possible, such as Edwardsville coffee roaster Goshen.
The 2,400-square-foot space that Recess will occupy, formerly home to an antique shop, is currently undergoing demolition. When construction is complete, the brewery will take up two-thirds of the space, with a 50- to 60-seat taproom occupying the remainder. Recess will not offer food; however, patrons are welcome to bring their own.
In addition to its public operations, the brewery will offer a membership program. Similar to a Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, Recess Brewing will be a Community Supported Brewery, or CSB. People can pay for a year-long membership that entitles them to growler service, brewery experience and merchandise. Recess will have two levels of membership – the “Micro” for $400 and the “Nano” for $200. Micro-level members receive two growlers per month. Nano-level members receive one growler per month. Members at either level also receive a Recess growler jug, discounts on taps and other benefits.
Flach said he hopes to have 50 to 75 members sign up before doors open and aims to have 150 members sign up during Recess’ first year. “I think, given the area, it’s pretty doable,” Flach said. Recess will begin taking members approximately three month prior to its opening.
This article appears in February 2014.