Opened: September 2012
After just over a year in business, Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub has made a name for itself both locally and nationally with great local brews and house smoked meats. Through early investment by community members and pure entrepreneurial passion, Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub has become a destination that takes pride in product, service, and community.
Since their opening in September of 2012, Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub has already doubled their original brewing capacity due to high demand and is at capacity for both kitchen and seating space.
When first opened, Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub had a perfect outdoor area for tables but due to lack of funds, couldn’t build a proper patio. Amy Johnson, one of a team of two owners and manager shared, “We bought picnic tables and put them right on the grass. We weren’t sure if Minnesotans would be comfortable with the communal seating style of the picnic tables, but it was what we could afford at the time.” After being in business for one year, Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub installed a beautiful patio complete with custom brickwork, landscaping, and again… picnic tables. “We had planned to do small bistro style tables but after polling customers, we found 90% enjoyed the communal style seating and wanted to keep the picnic tables.”
Blazing their own trail, Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub has been able to grow with great support from the community. “This area is so supportive of new businesses. After months of searching, we found the storefront space at 38th and 28th Avenue the very first day it was posted online. The property manager and neighborhood association were amazing. They really wanted us to succeed. It was a great feeling to feel the support of an entire community behind you.”
Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub has an ever changing and inventive lineup of craft beers. For the latest concoctions on tap, check out their facebook page. For Valentine’s Day, we are eyeing a new and limited release SNOWNAMI, a storm of chocolate and raspberry stout.