From upscale offerings to comfort food, to unique craft beers – Tangled Roots Brewing Company says it has something for everyone. WGN headed to the Lone Buffalo, to see what makes this experience so special.

See the video

Here is a list of events and festivals that Tangled Roots Brewing Co. will be a part of in 2022. We’d love to see you there!

Beer Under Glass (BUG)
Friday, May 13th – 5:30p-9:30p

Kane County Cougars Game Day Tasting
Saturday, May 28th – 6:30p

Old Canal Days in Lockport, IL
Thursday, June 9th – Sunday, June 12th

Kane County Cougars Game Day Tasting
Saturday, June 18th – 6:30p

Kane County Cougars Game Day Tasting
Saturday, July 16th – 6:30p

Craft Beer Night at Pistol Shrimp w/ pre-event with TRBC
Thursday, July 28th – 6:30p pre-event | 7:05 game time

Kane County Cougars Game Day Tasting
Saturday, August 20th – 6:30p

This article originally published in Shaw Local on January 20, 2022

Through local donor, the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation announced the 2022 scholarship program to help students pursue their dreams and goals of higher education.

Unlike many other scholarship offerings, the foundation also will offer these scholarships to students that are home-schooled.

The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs will award a total of $7,500 to young entrepreneurs in Starved Rock Country. The scholarship reflects a lifelong commitment to youth, education, economic development and philanthropy. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university or college for the 2022 school year and be able to demonstrate recent studies, or work-related activities focused on entrepreneurship, and the intent to become an entrepreneur.

The SRCCF included the Internet of Things (IoT) Scholarship for Science, Engineering and Technology presented by Advantech in Ottawa. Two $1,500 scholarships, one for a male student and one for a female student, will be awarded to students who have studied IoT, or have been involved in engineering, science and/or technology at school or in the community, and who will pursue a career in these industries.

The Rising Star Scholarship is available to students residing in La Salle, Bureau, Putnam, Livingston, Marshall or Lee counties who will be pursuing a degree in elementary education at Illinois State University. This scholarship provides a $5,000 award and was established through the SRCCF by Ethel McConnell, a philanthropist and lifelong educator, who taught at Jefferson Elementary School in Ottawa and Marseilles Elementary School.

The Mac-Aero Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $10,000. Also created by Ethel McConnell, the scholarship is in memory of her late husband, Ed, who was an engineer and an aviation mechanic. He owned Mac-Aero on Boondox Field in Seneca. The Mac-Aero Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior pursuing a degree in aeronautics or aviation.

The SRCCF announced its newest scholarship: One $1,000 Pie It Forward Scholarship, established through the SRCCF by the Tangled Roots Beverage Company in Ottawa for students pursuing a career in hospitality or the culinary arts. The applicant must be enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting college or university, or a licensed trade school program for the following academic year. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and have the skills and attributes necessary to enter the challenging hospitality or culinary arts industry.

On behalf of the Women Inspired Network of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, the SRCCF will offer one annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to assist young women to pursue their dreams through leadership and higher education. The applicant must be a current high school senior; a high school graduate; a home-schooled student who qualifies as a graduate; or a recipient of a GED program with a final score of at least 175. The successful applicant must be willing to serve as a role model in her community to make a difference to young women in her community at large.

Winners of all SRCCF Scholarships are selected by the Foundation’s Scholarship Evaluation Committee. Applications are available at all area high schools, online at www.srccf.org or by calling Cathy at 815-252-2906, ext. 2. Applications will be accepted starting Monday, Jan. 24, and the applications are due by March 31.

This article originally published in the Northern Star on December 12, 2021

DeKalb — Keg & Kernel, a new restaurant by Tangled Roots Brewing Company, opened its doors to the DeKalb community Saturday. The restaurant is perfect for those who love beer and quality food with a DeKalb-inspired twist.

The parent company, Tangled Roots Brewery Company, is based in Ottawa and has four other restaurant locations throughout Illinois, with the possibility of expanding to five in the future. 

Keg & Kernel, located at 106 E. Lincoln Highway, is the third location that Tangled Roots Brewing Company has opened this year, said Amy Anderson, the general manager at Keg & Kernel. The restaurant took over the corner space previously occupied by Tavern on Lincoln.

Tangled Roots Brewing Company names all of their locations after something significant or historical to the area that the restaurant is located in, Anderson said.

For DeKalb, the menu at Keg & Kernel aims to have a variety of dishes that feature corn, one of them being the Pimento Pub Dip, Anderson said.

“We (Keg & Kernel) are considered like an upscale brewpub menu so we have something for everybody,” Anderson said. “If you want to come in and have a burger you can have a burger; if you want to come in and have a steak or you want to have a salmon entree we have that as well.”

The Steak Frittes, Pimento Pub Dip and the Brewmaster BBQ burger are Anderson’s favorite dishes available at Keg & Kernel.

The price range at Keg & Kernel is anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on what is ordered, Anderson said.

Community reaction

On its first day open to the public, initial reviews were positive after its 4 p.m. opening night. 

“I am a huge beerhead myself,” said Al Ferris, a resident of DeKalb. “I was just happy to see this space get filled up again, I think it’s a wonderful location.”

The space, now occupied by Keg & Kernel, has been vacant since Tavern on Lincoln closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scott and Shelly Johnson, both residents of DeKalb, ended up stumbling across Keg & Kernel’s grand opening while out for a walk.

“The food was really good,” Shelly Johnson said. “We had the parsnip veloute soup and the battered fish and chips.”

This article was originally published in the Illinois Valley Times on September 27, 2021

State Sen. Sue Rezin is celebrating Tangled Roots Brewing Company’s recent strong showing at the Great American Beer Festival.

“Congratulations to Scott Struchen and TRBrewing for taking home the bronze with their Sunkissed Blonde in the Fruit Wheat Beer category,” Rezin posted on Twitter.

Of 123 entries in the fruit wheat beer category, the Ottawa-based establishment, which grows its own hops and barley, and sources ingredients for the menus at its brewery and restaurants from local farmers and growers, placed third for its Sunkissed Blonde offering.

This year’s competition, which was held remotely, marked the largest in history with medals awarded in 97 different beer categories covering 175 different beer styles.

The event took place over 17 days and 34 sessions. The contest included 170 judges and some 9,680 beers that were from 2,192 different breweries and all 50 states. The winners were feted during the Craft Brewers Conference that took place in Denver that was also showcased via livestream on The Brewing Network.

This article was originally published in the Northwest Quarterly on October 12, 2021

It’s easy to become immersed, surprised and deliciously satisfied with a visit to the Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Co., 808 LaSalle St., in downtown Ottawa. This traditional, yet innovative brewpub and tap room is near four state parks, including Starved Rock State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park, where three resident bison roam.

The theme continues in downtown Ottawa, where a buffalo mural prominently features at the top of the historic 1888 building’s facade. Inside, the walls are resplendent with buffalo-inspired artwork. Shiny copper kettles, synonymous with the company brand, stand out.

The Lone Buffalo was opened in February 2016 by owners Peter Limburger, a native of Germany, and his wife, Inga Carus.

“They are Ottawa residents and wanted to invest in the downtown area,” says Anna Wright, marketing and experience manager for Tangled Roots Brewing Co. “Peter and Inga enjoy bringing small towns to life by investing in the community. In fact, their motto is ‘Small Towns, Big Ideas.’”

Their commitment to America’s small towns and Ottawa, in particular, helped to set the pace for this thriving, bustling downtown area. The couple’s success there encouraged them to expand and establish Lock & Mule in Lockport, Hangar Two in Glenview, the new Beer Garden at Chicago’s Navy Pier, and the soon-to-open Keg & Kernel in DeKalb.

Ottawa’s The Lone Buffalo is home to the company’s first and main brewery. Its farm-to-foam beer is exclusively brewed using the company’s own hops and barley, which are farmed on nearly 11 acres outside Ottawa. Popular brews include the Devil’s Paintbox IPA, Kit Kupfer Amber Ale and the signature “straight from the farm to the glass” Forty 1 Eighty 8, Illinois’ 100% farm-to-foam ale.

It’s easy to untangle all of the delicious menu options, but it’s a challenge to make a choice from all of the starters, weekly specials, seasonal selections and entrees; many offer ale pairing suggestions to complement the meal.

“Our menu changes often, and so do our favorites,” says Wright. “Currently, a big hit has been the Beer Can Nachos, Brewmaster BBQ Burger, Halfway to Nashville chicken breast and our filet mignon. One thing that is always on our menu at each of our locations is a real fan favorite, the Bison Chili.”

The Bison Chili is made from a mixture of slow-simmered bison, beef and pork, and it’s combined with tomato sauce, white beans, lime crema, pickled red onions, jalapenos and cheddar cheese.

The Lone Buffalo offers brewery tours that include an overview of its modern brewery operations, a history of brewing in Ottawa, and extensive information on its 1888 building. This immersive experience includes a flight of beers.

Also a choice for private events, The Lone Buffalo accommodates occasions like weddings, receptions, baby showers, anniversaries and corporate gatherings. Spaces can seat up to 40 people in a private dining room, 60 in the Tap Room and 80 in The Lounge on the entire second floor. The entire restaurant may also be available for rent.

“We like to say, ‘Come for the beer, stay for the food and return for the experience,’” adds Wright, “but we also hope we will become your favorite contemporary brew spot, too.”

This article originally published in Shaw Local on March 8, 2021

Jeff Hettrick, executive director of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, said he and his wife take walks downtown, and when it’s warmer, they stop and talk to people dining outdoors.

He believes about 80% of the people are from out of town, and the rest are locals showing off Ottawa to their relatives from out of town.

Tangled Roots is part of Ottawa’s draw, he said, serving as one of the anchors to its growing tourism industry.

While the Tangled Roots Brewing Company’s initial location search started in the Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago, its eventual landing spot in Ottawa would become a blessing for both parties.

The Tangled Roots Brewing Company just celebrated its fifth anniversary last month, and Ottawa’s downtown continues its transformation into an up-and-coming tourist destination.

“The blessing is that we came in a little brewery and at the time there was another restaurant, BASH, doing awesome things,” said Tangled Roots Chief Commercial Officer Scott Struchen. “BASH did great things, then C230, CatsEye and A’Lure all came in, and the tide raises all ships. Now people have a choice, and you become a destination location for the downtown. It’s really a blessing to see all these restaurants start to get busy.”

Struchen said with the opening of these businesses, Ottawa has set itself to become the next Galena, a resort town in northwestern Illinois that’s home to many destination shops and restaurants.

Struchen said Ottawa’s people and what they had already done with their city is what opened possibilities for Tangled Roots.

“You have the Illinois Valley, Heritage Harbor and all the incredible things they’re doing, Starved Rock and all the tourism that comes with it and a downtown with thriving shops, great eating and great things to do,” Struchen said. “The reason we wanted to come [to Ottawa] is we saw that future growth, and now it’s happening.”

Ottawa Visitors Center Director Curt Bedei said Ottawa’s downtown has become something similar to a shopping mall in the years since Tangled Roots moved in, and he views the brewery/farm-to-table restaurant as one of the anchor stores.

“They were a new and vibrant addition to the downtown,” Bedei said. “They’re a draw. It’s something that brings outside people into town, and once they’re here, everybody else benefits from their presence. There’s so much to see that surrounds the Lone Buffalo.”

Bedei said Tangled Roots vision to make Ottawa a tourist destination aligns with other merchants’ vision. Tangled Roots has been featured with the Illinois Office of Tourism and it has advertised in national magazines, which Bedei said has made an impression on people from far and wide.

“They want to see other businesses and other individuals succeed because of their success,” Bedei said. “They’re not in it just for themselves.”

Bedei said Ottawa has always attracted people from the western suburbs because of its proximity to Starved Rock State Park, but the brewery has been a driving force in improving the city’s tourism aspects.

“Even though we have seen people from, you know, Chicago or even Europe every once in a while, the presence of the Lone Buffalo and Tangled Roots has taken it to a higher level than where it was before,” Bedei said.

Hettrick said he’s seen new independent stores open in the downtown since Tangled Roots moved in, including clothing boutiques, home goods and interior decorating stores.

“It’s more upscale than it used to be,” Hettrick said. “That’s the biggest thing. The storefronts are kept up very nice. Everyone is working to have a better image of downtown Ottawa. It’s family friendly and a great place to be around.”

Additionally, Hettrick said Tangled Roots has become a hot spot for business dealings in town, with OSF St. Elizabeth treating incoming doctors to The Lone Buffalo when they visit Ottawa for the first time and the Grundy County Economic Development Council holding its retreats there.

Hettrick also said Tangled Roots has been a good community partner. The business is at the forefront of sponsoring events in an effort to help people raise money, including one example of proceeds from a beer’s sales going to help feed the bison at Buffalo Rock State Park.

“I remember attending an event to help raise funding for trail repairs and handicap accessible trails at Starved Rock State Park,” Hettrick said. “They’ve also been business partners for our events. You see them and you know, they just work with everybody.”

Matt Skelly said Tangled Roots, along with the rest of the Ottawa community, has been helpful in spreading the word on the Starved Rock Marathon and Half Marathon every year, and they’re great to show off the rest of the downtown.

“When the water in the harbor rises, all the boats go up,” Skelly said. “So when people go to Tangled Roots for a beer they see something else on the way back home. They’ve realized Ottawa has a great sushi place, all these great pizza places, and they see it’s a happening town.”

Skelly said the city and all the economic development organizations around the city deserve credit for Ottawa’s downtown resurgence.

“You have the administration of the city that has to say they want to do this, and from there you start with the little stuff like economic development and the Visitor’s Center and people that are thinking about tourism,” Skelly said. “Tangled Roots can be a success because there are other businesses. They might not be as successful if they don’t have that dress shop down the street, or an art studio nearby. It’s a collective.”

Skelly also is a self-referred “novice beer snob” who enjoys having a craft brewery right in his backyard.

He said he likes that Tangled Roots has its core beers, but it also has other styles and can explain the unique aspects of each beer.

“Really, if you can get some good quality beer there, it’s a great environment to be around,” Skelly said.

Struchen said Tangled Roots is excited about what it has accomplished in its first five years and is looking forward to the next five in Ottawa.

“It’s really, really awesome that the community supports us as much as they do,” Struchen said. “We release exclusive beers just for Ottawa. We love hiring locals and watching them grow through our companies to become managers, marketers and directors.”

What’s next?

Struchen said Tangled Roots and The Lone Buffalo are having their fifth anniversary, but it’s really an ongoing project that’s been going on for the past seven and a half years.

“We’re expanding and building more, looking to expand our Ottawa location and grow into that,” Struchen said. “You know, the pandemic took it out of us and it was tough with everyone closed. We were able to survive, hold on and keep our employees employed. We opened back up with a bang.”

Struchen said Tangled Roots wants to expand into the old Woolworth’s building to the north but that might take another year or two because of the pandemic.

The business recently opened a new location tied to the Illlinois & Michigan Canal in Lockport called the Lock and Mule and another in Glenview called Hangar Two, and the business is expanding into La Salle.

A La Salle microbrewery cafe, coffee shop and upscale loft living project is underway on 800 block of First Street.

“We’re hoping for another brewpub,” Struchen said. “We have a concept going into La Salle based off the rocket trains that used to run from Chicago to Peoria and stopped in La Salle.”

Struchen said La Salle at that time in history was a thriving place for people to shop for watches, jewelry and clothing, and he hopes this location gives nod to that history.

This article originally published in Brewbound on April 26, 2018

GENEVA, IL – The Kane County Cougars have announced a new official craft beer sponsorship with the Tangled Roots Brewing Company.

Tangled Roots, formed only two years ago and headquartered in downtown Ottawa, Ill., has already become one of the regions most talked-about and fast-growing craft beers. Committed to sourcing all of their ingredients from local farms, including their own hops farm which is the largest in Illinois, Tangled Roots prides itself on making beer that’s local, fresh and natural.

“What could be more natural than enjoying a fine local craft beer while watching a great local baseball team?” said Scott Struchen, Chief Commercial Officer of Tangled Roots.

Aside from the obvious fit between beer and baseball, Struchen said other things also attracted the company to the idea of a partnership with the Cougars.

“We’re a small, ambitious, local business, very much dedicated to supporting our local small-town community. We found kindred spirits in the management and owners of the Kane County Cougars and we think we can do great things together.”

As part of the deal, not only will fans be able to enjoy the full range of Tangled Roots beers at Northwestern Medicine Field, but the brewery will be crafting a new and unique brew for the Cougars, specifically to celebrate the partnership.

“We’re thrilled to be embarking on an exciting new chapter with Tangled Roots,” added Dr. Bob Froehlich, Owner, President and CEO of the Kane County Cougars. “It’s great to be working with people who care about giving back to the local community and who also happen to make delicious beer. Our fans are in for a treat!”