In December 2015, Alter Brewing launched its taproom and production facility in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois, during the height of the craft beer boom, when the number of U.S. craft breweries surged from 2,400 in 2012 to around 8,200 by 2019. With such rapid growth, Alter Brewing realized it could no longer rely on distribution alone to meet its business goals. To adapt, the company pivoted toward hospitality, opening its first restaurant in May 2020 in St. Charles, IL.

Despite opening during the pandemic, the new location began to thrive as COVID became a concept many were ready to put in the rear view mirror, according to Alter Brewing President Ken Hendricks. “Restaurants became beacons of gathering and socialization with unwavering support from the community,” he said. Encouraged by this success, Alter Brewing expanded further, opening a second restaurant in Oak Brook, IL, in December 2022.

However, inflationary pressures in 2023 and 2024 presented new challenges. “Cost inputs surged as the spending power of our core guests declined,” Hendricks explained. “In short, folks simply couldn’t afford to come out as frequently as they wanted.” With consumer spending habits shifting, Alter Brewing recognized the need to adjust its strategy again. 

“Great beer and great food in a great location isn’t enough,” Hendricks said. “As people became more discerning with their spending, we needed to enhance the experience we provide. And, as sports fanatics, we want to offer the best sports viewing in the area.”

Ambiance with Excitement 

Photography by ©2024 Norman Sizemore

How the Nexthaus Alliance Is Building Passive Homes Through Sustainable Design

Building a sustainable luxury home requires far more than standard construction methods and materials—it requires a carefully orchestrated collaboration of experts dedicated to environmental responsibility. Around the Chicago area and Lake Michigan, the NextHaus Alliance is proving what's possible when forward-thinking professionals unite around this mission. 

As a key member of the alliance, Barrett’s Technology Solutions works with an elite group of Chicago’s best home design/build firms. Founder and Architect Nathan Kipnis, FAIA, is renowned for his commitment to sustainable architecture, and Berliant Builders is highly experienced in environmentally friendly construction. Interior designers Janet McCann and Lauren Coburn bring their aesthetic vision and expertise, and Bob Hursthouse of Hursthouse Landscape Architects provides outdoor and landscape design, installation, and maintenance. The result? Homes that minimize their environmental impact while still offering the modern technology, aesthetics, and conveniences that high-end homeowners expect. Let’s explore the NextHaus Alliance’s impact in more detail below. 

Yes! Let Barrett’s Technology Solutions Incorporate Innovative Tech into Union Pier Properties

Imagine a home that perfectly aligns with your schedule. It can adjust the temperature based on your personal preferences and adapt the lighting and shading to create the perfect ambiance—all while saving energy and reducing your monthly utility bills. 

While this may seem too good to be true, luckily, it isn’t. It is the modern luxury experience home automation companies like Barrett’s Barrett’s Technology Solutions can offer. We expertly blend convenience, elegance, and sustainability into one seamless technology experience. Adding a smart home system improves your life in Union Pier and makes your home more energy-efficient.

Let’s explore the topic below.