Joliet Microbrewery Nears Grand Opening At Union Station

JOLIET, IL - Downtown is the proud home of Silver Cross Field, Rialto Square Theatre and Harrah's Hotel and Casino. But something was missing. Despite being the third largest city in Illinois, Joliet has not had any microbreweries or craft beer pubs, not downtown, not the east-side nor the west-side.

But those days are almost over. Within the next month or so, the much-anticipated grand opening for MyGrain Brewing Company will take place at the old Union Station, 50 E. Jefferson St.

MyGrain's addition to the downtown will make it the first microbrewery in Joliet, said Steve Jones, city economic development director. MyGrain is operated by Vince Turrise and Grzegorz Lesiak. Last year, the pair worked out a lease agreement with the city to turn their vision of opening a craft beer pub into reality.

"We're excited to be in the home stretch and the crunch to get open as soon as possible," Turrise said.

At this point, Turrise hopes to open MyGrain Brewing in early August. This summer, contractors are a constant presence outside and inside the Union Station as crews finish up the restorations around the old train depot.

Once it opens, MyGrain Brewing plans to be able to accommodate between 150 and 200 guests. The microbrewery plans to be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

So why did the pair of craft beer entrepreneurs choose Joliet's Union Station as their destination?

"We absolutely love the history of it and what it is," Turrise said. "It's such a historic part of what Joliet is known for. There are no other breweries in Joliet, and we wanted to do this for the people."

And with the Rialto, Silver Cross Field and the Will County Courthouse all within walking distance, Turrise is energized about the long-term potential for success.

"We just want to have excellent beer, excellent service and excellent food," he said.

So what about the beer? What can customers expect from MyGrain Brewing Company?

"We will have five beers on tap," Turrise said. "But I don't want to disclose the styles of beer just yet. Eventually, we're planning to get to 20."

Turrise wants MyGrain Brewing to draw a steady crowd from Joliet and the surrounding communities including Chicago.

"It's a brewery," he said. "We want to be a destination for beer lovers and craft lovers."

He said Joliet officials have been incredibly supportive of their business venture. "I can't say enough about them," Turrise said. "The mayor has been fantastic as well as other city staff."

Jones said the city approved a rent credit of $840,000, which equates to 10 years of rent for MyGrain. "This rent credit represents tenant improvements that were necessary to bring the building to occupancy," Jones said. "If not made by a private party, it would have been up to the city to fund."

Mayor Bob O'Dekirk said he's confident MyGrain Brewing will be a great fit for the Union Station, particularly at night and on weekends.

"I think it's a great deal for downtown Joliet. This is something new and trendy for Joliet," the mayor said. "I'm very impressed, and I think the people of Joliet will be impressed too. It's tied into the ballpark, and it's going to be a big draw. I'm really excited."

Images via MyGrain Brewing Company