Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob.
Hi Jacob, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Spilled Grain Brewhouse started by happenstance aided by a chance ebcounter at a local “mom’s group” dinner in March of 2104. Co-Owner and Head Brewer Jacob Schnabel’s wife was joking about him “stinking up the house” with his home brewing hobby. An engineer by trade, Jacob loved the detailed process and chemistry of brewing and had really taken his hobby to the next level in the spring of 2014. Another mom, Reyna Hartley, overheard the conversation, and even though she didn’t really know the Schnabels, encouraged her husband Dave to reach out. Dave owned a build right o. Hwy 55 in Annandale that his cabinet business had outgrown. While the building would need a lot of work, he always thought is had a ton of potential as a brewery. Dave reached out right away and plans started to form quickly from there. Plans were drawn up, a lot of sweat equity was put in and Spilled Grain Brewhouse began to take shape. Throughout 2014 and into spring of 2015 the renovations were completed, brewing equipment was installed and anticipation amped up. After a soft launch to family and supporters, SGB opened to the public on July 23rd, 2015. Focused on quality beer and an inviting atmosphere, it quickly became a town favorite and gained a positive reputation in the brewing community. The business has continued to grow with a focus on community and high quality beer. 45+ national brewing awards later, Spilled Grain Brewhouse continues to evolve and be a community spot with something for everyone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Any small business has challenges from cost of good changes, staffing and in March of 2020, shut downs due to Covid. A huge credit to thr SGB community of supporters as they “came out of the woodwork” during that time to buy to go beer while the taproom was closed. The support was amazing and our employees were amazing as well during that challenging time. Consumers tastes have also changed in the past 11 years have led to us adding hard seltzer, THC, a hard seltzer cocktail menu, some limited food options and additional taproom/event space.
As you know, we’re big fans of Spilled Grain Brewhouse . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Taproom and micro brewery located in Annandale, MN. We are known for our wide variety of high quality beer and we strive to have “something for everyone” when they visit. We brew very approachable beer that even non-beer drinkers will find something they like. We are very proud to be family owned and operated with a high focus on community through local music, local vendors, local stories. We create opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, support local causes and make memories together. As a family owned brewery, every decision we make starts with one questuon “will this make this community stronger?”. We believe beer is just one part of what we offer.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Our community is wonderful and have supported us from the beginning through today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spilledgrainbrewhouse.com
- Instagram: spilled_grain_brewhouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spilledgrainbrewhouse
- Twitter: @SpilledGrain
