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CASSOPOLIS — “We don’t know when we’re opening, let’s make that clear,” laughed Kortney Romanetz.

This is in response to the most common question she and husband, Ted Romanetz, have received since beginning to prepare the site for Cassopolis Beer Company, a new business coming to downtown Cassopolis. She noted they hoped to be open in time for summer 2024. 

The couple is working hard on transitioning the old home of the volunteer fire department of Cassopolis into a new brewery and eatery. They are utilizing all aspects of the building, which was originally built in 1895. Beer will be brewed on site, delivering a fresh product just a wall away to the tap room where visitors will enjoy beer, wine, craft sodas, food and activities.

The brewing space features several fermentation tanks, sleeved in jackets and connected to a thermostat to control the precise temperatures required for various-styles of beer. A sealed cold-room houses 2,000-pound vessels resting on an insulated floor, a feat which required finding a floor that could handle the weight and building the room around the vessels once they were in place.

“We had a real pickle figuring that out,” said Ted.

Ten taps featuring seven of Ted’s beers will show off a bit of local history. Trophies from the Fire Department Water Ball Tournaments, a reverse tug-of-war game using fire hoses, will be utilized as tap handles. Their goal is to build a space for the local community, where beer lovers, diners, and families can gather.

“We want to be a part of the community,” said Kortney, noting the importance of buying a home in Cassopolis.

The Romanetzs come to the area from Colorado. Ted, who grew up in Mishawaka, was familiar with the village. He met Kortney in college and lived with her in Colorado until moving back to the area to open the brewery.

“Ted’s dad had the idea of opening a brewery here a long time ago,” said Kortney.

He had presented the idea to the village, but “it wasn’t the right time.” When the opportunity arose again, his father no longer was interested, but the Romanetzes were ready to make it a reality, working remotely from Colorado for two years until they were ready to move to the area.

Ted worked as a brewer in Colorado for almost seven years, coming from a background in water chemistry. He describes his style as gravitating toward, lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. He hopes to have beers that those more used to classic domestics can enjoy.

While he brews beer, Kortney will focus on front room operations. Large ovens will serve up neo-neapolitan wood fired-style pizzas, inspired by favorite pizzas from Colorado and named after their favorite places there. Appetizers and salads will also be offered, with the eventual plans to add sandwiches. They are starting intentionally with a small menu, creating flexibility to adjust to give the community what it wants.

Ted, who studied sustainability in school, will utilize local fruits and other ingredients in the beer and food.

“We’re trying to be as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible,” said Kortney.

Their space will be available to rent for events and they hope to offer up activities such as yard games, trivia, live music, and fundraisers for local organizations. They’ve even discussed bringing a version of Water Ball back.

They describe Cassopolis as welcoming, quickly being on a first-name basis with other business owners. They intend to create a space for visitors and locals alike, supporting the local patrons who support them in the colder months after tourists move on. She described breweries in Colorado that made the mistake of catering only to tourists.

“We want everyone to feel welcome here,” she said.

Information about Cassopolis Beer Company can be found on social media at facebook.com/people/Cassopolis-Beer-Company/61550946435913 and instagram.com/cassopolisbeerco.