By Trent Modglin

Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling recently acquired the former Alarmist Brewing space, which will be its fifth location and first in the city of Chicago

Q. How long has this expansion idea been lingering for you, and when did you begin to explore the Alarmist space?

Weidner: Expanding Pollyanna’s footprint beyond the suburbs and into the city has been a goal of mine for several years. When we learned in January that Alarmist Brewing would be closing, we quickly connected with Gary Gulley to explore the opportunity. As our conversations progressed, it became clear that there were strong synergies between Alarmist and Pollyanna, making the acquisition a natural fit. Gary built an outstanding brand with a loyal following, and the values, culture and approach to the craft beer market that he established at Alarmist align closely with how Pollyanna operates today. Preserving and building upon that legacy while expanding our presence in Chicago made this an exciting opportunity for us.

Q. Tell us about adding to the taproom and how the renovations are coming along in Sauganash.

Weidner: Early in our conversations with Sauganash residents and former Alarmist customers, it became clear that many of the elements that have made Pollyanna successful at our other locations would be a great addition to the space. We’re currently working on plans to increase taproom seating, enhance the outdoor experience and accessibility, and create a dedicated private event space for the community to enjoy.

The addition of a food program also emerged quickly as a priority. As we listened to feedback from local residents and past customers, it became evident that offering quality food alongside our beer would help make the taproom an even more welcoming destination. Overall, the renovation efforts are progressing well, and we’re excited about the opportunity to build on what made Alarmist special while introducing new amenities that will enhance the experience for our guests.

One of our goals is to honor what made Alarmist special while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for both longtime supporters and new customers alike.

Q. What will the food menu look like at the new location? 

Weidner: Our food program will center around an artisan pizza concept complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of shareable appetizers and small plates. Rather than offering an extensive menu, we’re focused on doing a smaller number of items exceptionally well. The goal is to create a dining experience that enhances the brewery atmosphere, pairing quality food with our beers while providing something that appeals to families, friends gathering together, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We want the menu to be approachable, memorable, and a reason for guests to stay awhile and enjoy the full Pollyanna experience.

Q. How do you plan on continuing the Alarmist brand and how many of Gary’s recipes do you plan on brewing?

Weidner: Preserving the legacy that Gary built at Alarmist is a top priority for us. This month, we’re relaunching Alarmist’s three flagship brands — Le Jus, Crispy Boy, and Pantsless — back into the market through distribution using the same recipes, packaging and distributor partnerships that customers have come to know and love over the years.

Beyond those core brands, we look forward to finding opportunities to bring back some of Gary’s most popular limited releases and specialty beers over time. Once the taproom reopens, it will provide a great venue to reintroduce those fan-favorite offerings and celebrate the creativity and innovation that made Alarmist such a respected name in Chicago craft beer. Our goal is to honor what made Alarmist special while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for both longtime supporters and new customers alike.

We want to pair quality food with our beers while providing something that appeals to families, friends gathering together, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We want the menu to be approachable … and a reason for guests to stay awhile and enjoy the full Pollyanna experience.

Q. This is your fifth venue, and your first in the city. What are you most excited about with the new space and what else is on the horizon for Pollyanna?

Weidner: What excites me most is the opportunity to bring Pollyanna’s community-centered approach into the Sauganash neighborhood. The local community has been incredibly supportive of Alarmist over the years, and we’re honored to continue providing a place where neighbors can gather, relax and connect, just as they have for many years.

We’re also excited to carry forward the legacy of Le Jus, a beer that helped put Chicago hazy IPAs on the map after earning a Gold Medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival, the first award ever presented in that category. Preserving and celebrating brands with that kind of history is something we’re passionate about.

Beyond beer, I’m looking forward to introducing our elevated cocktail program to the Sauganash community, featuring spirits crafted at Pollyanna’s distillery in St. Charles. We believe it will add another unique element to the guest experience and broaden what we can offer our customers.

As for what’s next, we’re always exploring opportunities to grow our community around craft beer, craft spirits and specialty coffee. Our focus remains on creating welcoming gathering places and being good stewards of the communities we serve. As long as we stay true to that mission, we’ll continue to look for opportunities to grow and evolve wherever they may lead.

Pollyanna’s newest taproom, in the former Alarmist Brewing space, will be located at 4055 W. Peterson Avenue in Chicago. Pollyanna has additional locations in suburban Lemont, Roselle and St. Charles. PollyannaBrewing.com