Can the Fox Cities Become a Brewery Tourist Destination?

Respecting the Beer

How are local brewers making the Fox Cities a destination for brewing? Gary Arndt, Bobby Fleshman, and Allison McCoy are joined again by special guests Steve Lonsway of the Stone Arch Brewery and Oliver Behm from the Hop Yard. The discussion centers around the potential for the Fox Cities area to become a craft beer destination for more than just locals. The guests share insights on what it takes for a community to attract beer tourists, the cultural impact of breweries, and the collaboration required among local brewers to foster a vibrant beer scene.

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Guest Bios

Steve Lonsway

Stonearch Brew Pub, Owner, Founder, CEO

https://www.stonearchbrewpub.com/

Steve's brewing journey began in college in 1991 after discovering his passion for home brewing. Partnering with his father and brother, they established Homebrew Market in 1993 then Steve further honed his skills at the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology in 1996. As Corporate Brew Master of a local brewery, he oversaw multiple locations before starting Stone Arch with his father in 2004. Steve enjoys traveling with his wife, two daughters and rescue dog, supporting the Chicago Bears, and finding solace in his yard and parlor.

Oliver Behm,

Hop Yard Ale Works, Owner, Founder, Brewer

https://hopyardaleworks.com/

Oliver & Amy Behm were born and raised in the Fox Valley. Their passion for food & love for beer took them on many adventures across the county. What they created for you is a collaboration of the best parts of their memories.

Their wish is you enjoy the atmosphere, community and brewery experience as much as they did to risk it all, and follow their dreams!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:19 The Rise of Craft Beer Destinations

01:19 Fox Cities as a Craft Beer Destination

03:46 Challenges and Collaboration in the Craft Beer Industry

11:18 Promoting Appleton and Fox Cities as Beer Destinations

15:47 The Charm of Appleton's Downtown

16:20 Craft Beer and Community Growth

19:20 The Evolution of Appleton's Bar Scene

20:17 Family and Community at Breweries

23:53 The Role of Regulars in Brewery Success

25:47 Expanding Brewery Locations and Challenges

29:24 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

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Hosts:

Bobby Fleshman

Allison McCoy-Fleshman

Gary Ardnt

Music by Sarah Lynn Huss

Recorded & Produced by David Kalsow

Brought to you by McFleshman's Brewing Co