Peoria Standard

The Peoria Heights Village Board heard a proposal for a new brewery and taproom business during the board's Jan. 17 meeting, necessitating the creation of a new type of liquor license by the board.

Business owners and operators Brian and Amber Buss spoke before the board about the endeavor, which they said began as a hobby, as Amber Buss works in adult special education and Brian Buss works as an ERP administrator for Natural Fiber Welding in Peoria. Under their plan, the brewery business would have a three-barrel system, which is about six and a half traditional kegs worth. They want to brew 150 barrels of beer in the first year and sell it for around $250,000 that year, with a projection of growing by 20% each year thereafter and a goal of expanding into distribution, they said, although foot traffic is something they would need.

"I mean, me and my wife, we come visit the heights very often, you know, we find a spot to park and we end up walking and visiting places for hours. And that's part of what we love about this community and what we want to be a part of. So we know our customers are going to be OK, hopefully doing the same as we have," Brian Buss told the board.

The Busses asked the village for a liquor license for their brewery and taproom business, although that type of liquor license is one the village didn't previously offer or have as an option for businesses. In response to the proposal, the village created a new liquor license that will allow for the brewing of beer as well as the sale of alcohol on-site.

Amber Buss told the board they plan to redo the old subway building in town with a lounge area, tables and chairs for a taproom, in addition to the brewing facility. The plan includes a drive-thru window on the outside as well as sitting areas throughout their outdoor spaces. Although parking has been an issue in the past, the Busses said they will be mindful of parking issues as they come up, but they are excited to bring craft brewing back to the village.