St. Francis Brewery reopens in 2025 and wins top awards

After a five-year closure, St. Francis Brewery in Wisconsin made a strong comeback in 2025. The local spot earned awards for best bar and best restaurant from the Shephard Express. Reporter Brian Kramp visited the owner to highlight the brewery's focus on customer experience.

In St. Francis, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee County, St. Francis Brewery reopened in 2025 following a five-year shutdown. The revival marked a significant return for the local establishment, which quickly gained recognition for its offerings.

The Shephard Express awarded St. Francis Brewery titles for both best bar and best restaurant, underscoring its successful relaunch. FOX6 News reporter Brian Kramp visited the site, speaking with the owner and the brewer behind the operations. The coverage emphasized the brewery's commitment to creating an engaging experience, from the first sip of beer to the final bite of food.

This comeback highlights the resilience of small businesses in the area, with the brewery drawing attention through its quality brews and dining. The awards affirm its place in the local scene after years of absence. FOX6 News conducted interviews with those involved, providing insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts that fueled the 2025 return.

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Several craft breweries in the United States and Canada are closing locations or filing for bankruptcy amid industry challenges. Factors include rising costs, shifting consumer preferences, and regulatory issues. These closures highlight broader struggles in the craft beer sector.

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St. Louis has been named the second-best beer city in the United States by USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The city and several local breweries earned high rankings in various beer-related categories. Missouri's strong beer culture contributed to these accolades.

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