Unplug and unwind: Brewery puts focus back on conversation

Rich Palzewic

Staff

February 23, 2026

GREEN BAY – In today’s technology-driven world, where cell phones, iPads and other devices are ever present, Jon and Missy Martens – owners of Copper State Brewing Company in Green Bay – said they are trying to do their part by making their brewery a place for conversation and camaraderie.

Earlier this year, the couple introduced several options that encourage patrons to set aside their devices and take in Copper State’s natural surroundings – a brewery first featured by The Business News in a “Just Dropping By” segment in its June 1, 2023 issue.

“We are even offering cookies as an incentive,” Missy Martens laughed. “People who come into the brewery can voluntarily take part in what we call ‘unplug challenges’ to encourage them to put down their devices and enjoy the reasons why they came to Copper State in the first place – for conversations, connections and fun.”

Martens said she and Jon have noticed over the years that customers of Copper State – which began operations at 313 Dousman St. in 2017 – have relied more on their devices for entertainment.

“We’ve seen two people sitting at a table on their phones when we deliver food who might be on a date or families doing the same thing,” she said. “We purposely don’t have a lot of TVs in the brewery either – your eyes are naturally drawn to that sort of thing.”

Martens said participation in the challenges is entirely voluntary, offered simply as an option for guests.

“I’ve thought about doing something like this at the brewery for a while,” she said. “When our kids’ friends come over to our house, we’ll have a bowl where they put their phones in. It makes it easier for people to put their devices down when everyone else is doing the same thing. I think that disconnect is very important.”

When patrons enter Copper State and sit at a table, Martens said they will notice “Jail Cell” Phone boxes where they can put their phones in.

“If you don’t look at your phone until after dinner, you’re eligible for a free cookie,” she said. “And let me tell you, this isn’t something just for kids. I’ve seen grown men get all excited about getting a free cookie.”

Another challenge, Martens said, is the “Pay” Phone.

With that option, she said, guests are welcome to keep their phone in a pocket or on the table.

“But the first person to pick up and check his or her phone pays for dinner,” she said.

Lastly, Martens said, is the “I” Phone challenge.

Each time a phone buzzes, pings, dings or rings, that person, she said, has to share a personal fact with the group.

“Perhaps it’s a deep, dark secret or a fun quirk they don’t know about you,” she said. “At the very least, it could get you to put your phone on ‘do not disturb.’”

Martens said a close friend who teaches wood shop at Manitowoc Lutheran High School had his class build the boxes for the brewery.

“They are really well done, and it’s cool that a bunch of high school students put their phones down and made these with their hands,” she said.

Thus far, Martens said they’ve received a lot of positive comments about the “unplug challenges.”

“We hope it encourages people to stop by knowing there is a viable option for unplugging,” she said. “Personally, if there were other businesses that did something similar, it would encourage me to patronize them.”

For more information on Copper State Brewing Company, head to copperstate.beer or its Facebook page.