News Summary
Lombardi Brewing Co. has officially opened its flagship taproom in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, situated at the former City Lights Brewing site. Co-owned by the grandson of Vince Lombardi, the brewery aims to create a vibrant atmosphere while overcoming operational challenges. Currently, it relies on a partnership with District 1 Brewing for supply and seeks to foster a sustainable model in the local craft beer scene.
Milwaukee
Lombardi Brewing Co. officially opens its flagship taproom today, September 19, at 3 p.m. The taproom is situated at 2200 W. Mt. Vernon Ave. in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, taking over the former site of City Lights Brewing Co., which closed in January after eight years of operation due to unsustainable conditions.
Lombardi Brewing Co. is co-owned by John Lombardi, the grandson of iconic Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, alongside Amanda Gethers and Tim Kunze. The brewery was established in 2015 and initially operated as a contract brewer, meaning it provided its recipes to another brewery to produce its beer.
Current Status and Future Plans
The new taproom has undergone renovations to enhance its appeal, although the full transformation of the space is not yet complete. Notably, the patio area, inclusive of outdoor seating and amenities, will not be developed until early 2026. Currently, Lombardi Brewing’s brewing operations are facing challenges; the company is seeking professional assistance to bring its brewing system online.
Brewing activities are expected to commence this winter, yet until long-term repairs are confirmed, Lombardi Brewing Co. will depend on excess capacity from District 1 Brewing in Stevens Point to supply beer for the taproom. This partnership is crucial for ensuring that customers will have access to a wide variety of beer styles in the coming months, as owners prepare for the full operational capabilities of their brewery.
Operational Challenges
The owners acknowledged that there are several complications and intricacies to address regarding the brewery’s operations. Despite this, a recent Facebook post from the brewery indicated optimism, stating that the brewing system is anticipated to be operational by winter.
Creating Experiences Beyond Beer
In addition to serving beer, Lombardi Brewing Co. aims to create a rich and engaging atmosphere for taproom visitors. The owners have highlighted their goal of cultivating a balanced legacy inspired by their grandparents, which include the renowned Vince Lombardi and a beer distributor from North Dakota. This vision is set to guide the overall experience that the taproom will provide.
Background Context
City Lights Brewing Co., once a fixture in Milwaukee, closed its doors in January 2023. The challenges faced by City Lights Brewing were rooted in unsustainable business conditions, which ultimately led to its shutdown after eight years of operations. In contrast, Lombardi Brewing Co. is seeking to establish a more sustainable model by leveraging its rich heritage, innovative brewing techniques, and a focus on community involvement.
Founded in 2015, Lombardi Brewing Co. has a vision of serving quality craft beer while fostering a sense of community among its customers. The new taproom is poised to play a central role in this mission as it opens doors to the public.
As Lombardi Brewing Co. embarks on this new chapter in Milwaukee’s brewing landscape, community members are eager to see how the brewery will transform the vacated space of City Lights Brewing Co. and contribute to the local craft beer scene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lombardi Brewing Co. Opens Flagship Taproom in Milwaukee
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lombardi Brewing Company Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- BizTimes: Lombardi Brewing’s Milwaukee Taproom Opens Today
- Google Search: Lombardi Brewing Co.
- OnMilwaukee: Lombardi Brewing Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vince Lombardi
- Urban Milwaukee: Lombardi Brewing Plans for Milwaukee Brewery
- Google News: Lombardi Brewing
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
