The Chesterton Brewery, which has the tagline of “veterans brewing for veterans,” smokes meat such as brisket, from top shelf, pork butt and ribs in-house daily. (The Chesterton Brewery )
With bars and restaurants closed to dine-in patrons, places such as the Chesterton Brewery have done what they can to offset the loss of revenue while still serving regular customers.
“We put penne pasta on the menu. It has smoked Italian sausage for a little more of a comfort food,” said Vern Brown, founder, president and brewer of the Chesterton Brewery.
There is also a sandwich special with crowler fill ranging from $15-$20.
“That’s something new to ease a bit of the financial burden on people,” he said.
On the menu:Barbecue, brisket, burgers, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken.
“All of our barbecue sauces are made in-house. All our meat is smoked in-house every day. We try to keep it as fresh as possible,” Brown said.
About the owners:They include Brown of Chesterton, Nikki Grass of Valparaiso who runs front of the house and Jason Stypula of St. John who handles business operations.
“I was in process engineering by trade. I wanted to do something to help out veterans in need,” Brown said.
A philosophy:“Veterans brewing for veterans” is the tagline for the Chesterton Brewery, which opened in September.
“I don’t have any ailments from the war,” said Brown who was in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Operation Desert Storm. “I’m perfectly healthy but there’s a lot of veterans who have given a lot. Adapting back to civilian life and getting their social skills back may be hard for them.
“People love the fact that for every beer they drink they are giving back to a veteran in need. A portion of our sales goes to the charity of the month. They have to be nonprofit and veteran-based. Every month is a new charity. We’ve raised over $17,000 in seven months.”
How we’ve adapted to coronavirus concerns:“It’s definitely a heightened sense of awareness on washing hands when you take money from a customer. We’re wiping everything down a lot more when people come pick up food to prevent any cross-contamination,” Brown said. “Due to the emergency order that Gov. Eric Holcomb put out we are allowed to sell our domestic and guest beers.”
Specialties:“People just love our barbecue,” said Brown, who noted that mac and cheese also is popular.
Cory Henry of Valparaiso and Elliott Rauch of Westville are the pitmasters.
We’re different because:The Chesterton Brewery is known for Peanut Butter Cup Stout, Mango Habanero New England India Pale Ale and the Bob Mitchell ale.
How you can help:“Support local businesses. Get a beer or get a sandwich and support your local mom-and-pop stores so we don’t go bankrupt. We don’t have the budget or capital to sustain a long financial hit like this so the more support we get, the better off we are,” Brown said.
Prices:Start at $3 for tacos, $6 for kids menu items, $7 for appetizers or salads, $9 for burgers and sandwiches, $10 for mac and cheese, $12 for penne pasta and $14 for ribs.
Logistics:The Chesterton Brewery is at 1050 Broadway, Suite 36, Chesterton. Delivery and pickup are available. Beer to go, crowler and growler fills, and brew delivery to Chesterton and Porter also are available. Hours are 3-8 p.m. daily. Call 219-728-6558 or go to chestertonbrewery.com.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Would you like your restaurant to be featured in a dining profile? Email wweber@tribpub.com with the name and location of your establishment and a person’s contact information. At this time, we are only taking places that offer a carryout and/or delivery option.
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