Mold resistant, pest resistant, rot resistant, fire resistant
Recognizing a decade of sustainability, conservation efforts
September 16, 2024
EAU CLAIRE – Local entrepreneur Brad Hansen said there is something about being by the water.
That’s why, he said, choosing a waterfront location for Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen (402 Graham Ave.) was paramount – especially since it’s Eau Claire’s first waterfront restaurant nestled along the Chippewa River.
Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen is also home to the Midwest’s largest self-pour taproom, featuring 72 craft beverages.
Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen opened its doors July 1, and Hansen said the buzz of business has been remarkable.
“The community’s outpouring of support has been overwhelming and very humbling,” he said. “There is never a dull moment once the clock hits 3 p.m.”
From concept to opening
The concept for the Phoenix, Hansen said, emerged from the encounters he and his wife, Breanna, had with similar businesses when they traveled – both for work and for pleasure.
“We began to see how we can make it work here and then finding the right location was our next goal,” he said. “My wife and I are actually from Kaukauna and Kimberly, and we saw a lot of bars and restaurants on the water. Of course, there are many waterfront establishments in the Fox Valley area, too. We wanted to be the first on the water (here) and fill that missing gap on the other side of the state.”
As they began to really think about giving it a go themselves, Hansen said they picked the brains of the many waterfront establishment owners from the east side of Wisconsin and beyond.
Hansen said their goal was to create a unique destination where the community could gather, celebrate and enjoy craft beverages and food.
The result of that vision, he said, is The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen.
When it came to choosing a name for the establishment, Hansen said they wanted something that would resonate not only with them but also with the community they cherished.
The inspiration for Phoenix, he said, came from Phoenix Park – a beloved park of theirs located near the taproom.
Phoenix Park’s transformation from a brown space into a green oasis of sorts for residents and visitors alike, Hansen said, mirrored what they envisioned for their project.
The phoenix itself, he said, is a symbol of transformation and renewal – rising from the ashes.
Hansen said they see the transformation of the old Graham Riverside building’s first floor, which was previously a bank, into The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen as a metaphorical rising from the ashes.
“It was an opportunity to breathe new life into a historic space,” he said.
The journey from concept to opening, Hansen said, was fueled by passion, dedication and a deep sense of purpose.
He said they poured their hearts into every detail – from selecting the perfect location to designing the 4,200-square-foot space to include 72 taps, featuring a diverse selection of craft beers, ciders, seltzers, kombucha, wines and cocktails.
Food, beer options
The food menu at The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen, Hansen said, consists of elevated tapas or small plates.
“Our culinary artists are focused on taking something simplistic and small and (creating a unique offering),” he said. “Perfect for sharing and designed to pair perfectly with our beverage options. Restaurant patrons can enjoy appetizer-style dishes, like tater tot flights, empanadas, flatbread and our unique bruschetta on toasted artisan bread.”
Cheese curds prepared in flamin’ hot and honey, brown sugar and beer batter; orange citrus pulled pork salad, a cobb salad and a variety of hoagies, Hansen said, round out the menu.
Hansen said they also offer a variety of non-alcoholic (NA) beverage options as the demand for them, along with mocktails, has grown dramatically.
Some of the NA options, he said, include a Free Wave-Hazy IPA, Heineken, Mock G & T and Mock Mule.
The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen’s selection of beers, Hansen said, ranges from locally brewed and craft brewed within the State of Wisconsin to those varieties that come from Minnesota, Indiana, Colorado, Texas, North Dakota and Mexico.
Hansen said the self-pour tap wall – which is powered by the iPourIt system – provides a seamless and interactive way for patrons to explore the establishment’s extensive beverage menu.
Right around the corner
As the calendar pages turn toward winter months, Hansen said they are already planning for the colder days ahead.
“We will be getting ready for the outside winter months with portable igloos,” he said. “It will be great for patrons to be outside with a riverfront view (in the colder months). This will add to our uniqueness.”
Hansen said the future is very exciting for their team and customers.
“We’re adding in different events and bringing in weekly bands and artists to the space in the future,” he said. “Our events manager, Courtney Hansen, oversees all of our corporate planning. Our space can host more than 40 people and is on the riverside, overlooking the patio. It’s gorgeous.”
Non-profit organizations, Hansen said, are welcome to gather at The Phoenix Kitchen & Taproom for meetings at no charge.
“We (can also) rent out our entire business patio,” he said. “We can host wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as smaller birthday parties and meetings. The entire facility can be rented for any event (is desired).”
The Phoenix Kitchen & Taproom is open from 11 am. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.
For more information, visit thephoenixtaproom.com.
