'Finally A Reality': Banging Gavel Brews Sets Grand Opening Date

TINLEY PARK, IL — It's taken years—six, to be exact—but a long-awaited addition to Tinley Park's downtown finally has a grand opening date on the symbolic docket.

After months of a soft open, Banging Gavel Brews, located in the historic Vogt Building at 17400 S. Oak Park Ave., will officially celebrate its grand opening debut on Dec. 14, 2023.

"The feeling is surreal," said Banging Gavel's Brand Marketing Director Beckie Richert O'Connor.

"For so long we have been working to get to this point with so many crazy hurdles where it felt like we were on the show 'Punk'd.' It felt as if it would never happen so many times. But now that we are here on the other side, the excitement and positive feedback from the community is more than anything we could have imagined."

The staggered, gradual opening of Banging Gavel has been much-anticipated, after years spent to transform the structure from its previous life as a vacant landmark, into a working brewery. A painstaking process, but one the folks behind Banging Gavel have believed will be well worth the wait.

Partners O'Connor and her husband Kyle (Business Development), Jim Richert (President) and Ed Richert (Secretary/Treasurer) started the brewery in 2014, naming it after Jim Richert's profession of practicing law. Jim Richert has lived in Tinley for 30 years; Ed Richert has lived in Orland for 40 years. Kyle and Beckie O'Connor live in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

Brothers Jim and Ed Richert made their first homebrew beer in 2013 and kept going with Ed’s daughter and her husband, Beckie and Kyle O’Connor, as partners. The family-owned craft brewery has developed 28 styles of beers and introduced them at various local craft beer festivals and craft beer shops since 2014. J.T. Rea joined as head brewer in 2021 and Ed Nemec came on board in 2023 as Director of Operations.

They purchased the building in 2017, and encountered some typical — and not-so-typical — obstacles along the way. Built in 1865, the Vogt Building came with challenges for a brewing business looking for a workable space, but also plenty of charm. As they took on the transformation, the Banging Gavel partners sought to preserve as much of the historical context and designs as possible. With a Brunswick-style bar, bathrooms with fixtures and decor inspired by the Italianate style from the mid 19th century, and painstakingly restored trims, wood floors, and original staircase, the owners hope their attention to detail shows.

Curious guests were able to get a sneak peek in recent weeks, as the group rolled out a soft open featuring a limited menu, cocktails, and food offerings. With brewing of their own beers started Oct. 29, they stepped that much closer to swinging open the doors officially.

"I know we’ll have new hurdles like every new restaurant and brewery goes through…but sharing the experience and welcoming everyone to the space is not one of them," O'Connor said. "We will have 4-5 of our own beers on tap, seasonal cocktails paired with shareable plates for our guests to enjoy. FINALLY!

The opening will feature the tapping of the brewery's own Firkin, set for 4 p.m. on the front porch. The tapping will be led by Jim Richert, Beckie & Kyle O’Connor, Ed Nemec, Ed Richert, a Tinley Park Representative along with emcee Joe Matise, Lead Singer of The Walk-ins, and Tinley Park resident. Other beers brewed on-site and offered at the opening will include a Saison, Berliner Weisse, Vienna, and Dry Irish Stout.

Live music is on tap Dec. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. on the building's second floor, O'Connor said. Appetizers will be complimentary from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with the full menu offered 5:30 to 9 p.m. They'll also debut holiday cocktails including a Cranberry/Rosemary Moscow Mule, Pomegranate French 75, Gingerbread Tom & Jerry as well as wine, seltzers and nonalcoholic beverages.

The grand opening events continue Friday, Dec. 15, with The Saul Good Trio playing from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, don't miss a brunch buffet with Santa from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Limited number of seats for adults and children—reservations for the event will open next week. The evening will go on to include music from Railway Gamblers from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, catch live music from Joe Orozco from 5 to 8 p.m. The Bears game will be aired (based on game time).

And in addition to the grand opening celebration weekend, Banging Gavel will be hosting on Sunday, Dec. 31, A Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Event. Reservations for it will also open next week.

"After years of planning, persistence and patience during our restoration project of our brewpub—this dream is finally a reality," the partners wrote in an email.

"We are so grateful for your support during this incredible journey. See you all soon."

For more news and the latest updates on Banging Gavel, find them on Facebook. And check out the progression of the work on the Vogt House.