History Made: Will County Brewing Opens 2nd Location Near Joliet

CHANNAHON, IL — Three months after acquiring the former River Hawk Brewery in Channahon along Route 6, Jamie Albert and Brian Lorenc made history by opening a second Will County Brewing Company location. Their latest craft brewery opened at 3 p.m. Thursday.

"We're eventually going to have Shorewood exclusive beer and Channahon exclusive beer," Albert remarked during his soft opening gala.

On Thursday, Will County Brewing had nine different craft beers on tap, plus five cocktails and three wines. Music from Def Leppard, Skid Row and Ozzy Osbourne played on the speakers.

Channahon offers more space than the brewery in Shorewood. Channahon can comfortably seat about 100 guests, while Shorewood has a capacity of less than 80.

Patrons of the old River Hawk will notice some changes when they visit Will County Brewing Channahon. The brewery was re-painted and has new furniture. The long tables in River Hawk were replaced by several smaller tables that seat groups of four.

Other changes were made behind the bar, involving the beer production system.

Will County Brewing Co. Channahon is now open 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

"We're trying to do different things. Here are smaller barrels and there will be different beers at both locations," Lorenc stressed.

For Channahon, Lorenc and Albert say they plan to utilize Delight Wish, the European-style ethnic restaurant next door. Delight Wish, whose owners are from Poland, will make garnishing for Will County Brewing's Bloody Mary drinks as well as other food including burgers.

Unlike the Shorewood location, Will County Brewing Company hopes to have food trucks in its parking lot along Route 6 "once or twice a month," Lorenc told Joliet Patch.

Although "all new staff was hired," Albert said, Will County Brewing did retain one of River Hawk's brewers and bartenders.

Albert envisions Shorewood and Channahon will compliment — not compete against each other — for craft beer enthusiasts from across the region.

Albert said he expects most of the new customer base will come from Channahon, Minooka, Braidwood, Wilmington and Coal City. The Will County Brewing Company in Shorewood will continue to draw primarily from Joliet, Plainfield and Shorewood.

Last Sept. 1, the owners of River Hawk announced on Facebook they were permanently closing. In December, Will County Brewing acquired the property.

"After River Hawk closed, we made the decision that if we wanted to expand, this might be our opportunity to do so," Albert explained Thursday afternoon. "The village of Channahon has been very welcoming and the response from social media has been outstanding."

Albert wants the Channahon Will County Brewing Company to be known for the same three principles he installs in Shorewood: craft, community and charity.

The address for Will County Brewing Channahon is 24735 West Eames St., which is Route 6.

"For those in the community who have not tried our beer yet, stop in," Albert said. "Try our amazing beers and craft cocktails."

Albert said his new Channahon brewery will hold its grand opening gala on Saturday, March 4.

Then, the following Saturday, March 11, Will County Brewing will hold its big celebration to mark the Shorewood brewery's five-year anniversary, Albert said.