Meet Mary Lodin of Braham Brewing Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Lodin.

Hi Mary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on a dairy farm in Stanchfield (Isanti County) Minnesota, the sixth generation of Swedish settlers (Tros Hans and Brita Larsson of Dalarna, Sweden) who arrived in 1863. Surrounded by grandparents, parents, and siblings, my earliest memories are rooted around our family table. I remember the scent of Swedish pancakes on the griddle (served with butter and local Maple syrup), bread dough rising in a large Red Wing mixing bowl, and the pantry in our basement lined with canned goods from our garden. The aroma of Sundays! Big dinners (usually roast beef or Swedish meatballs) my mother prepared—never quite knowing who’d show up, but they always did: aunts, uncles, cousins. I loved peeking out the dining room window, watching for cars kicking up dust on the gravel road. Our freezers were full of beef, poultry, and pork appreciated and humanely raised on our farm. I’m so grateful for my family’s care of land and farming, pantry and freezer. A most healthy diet!

Fast forward! With a years-long career in broadband technology and FM radio, in 2018 my business partner Jay Mankie and I took a completely different and fun business angle and began selling small-batch roasted organic coffee under the name Braham Brewing Company from a warehouse we converted. In this large space (dreaming), why wouldn’t we create a commercial kitchen for cooking and baking classes? What started as a passion for cooking for family and friends soon expanded into serving our wider community. In March 2024, we completed our commercial kitchen which opened the door to shared dining experiences featuring homemade meals and the baking and cooking classes. We also offer to-go catering and host private events. Braham Brewing now proudly features import beers, wines, and craft cocktails—bringing people together through good food, drink, and hospitality. This is truly, a most deeply enjoyed journey!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Turning a vision into reality is an incredible feat. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has played a role in making this dream come true! From the dedicated engineers and designers to the hardworking friends helping manage inventory and displays, there have been countless amazing individuals involved in this journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What sets my work apart is a deep connection to tradition, community, and craft. I blend heritage with hospitality—offering not just food or drink, but an experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and rooted in something real. From scratch-made meals to small-batch coffee, everything created is intentional, inviting, and made to bring people together.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Grateful for our team! Having worked in high-end restaurants in St. Paul, Tracy and Carrie bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our team—it’s truly amazing and so appreciated. You need to meet them. We’re lucky to have them! Joni, she’s a quiet presence, but her cakes speak volumes—beautiful, thoughtful, and crafted with care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://BrahamBrewingCompany.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrahamBrewingCompany