The signs in the former Panera Bread have been teasing northeast Minneapolis residents for months. What will open here? Now we know. New Bohemia is shooting for a September opening in this corner space across from Surdyk's. If all goes according to plan, co-owner Jeff Bornmann hopes to open more locations in the Twin Cities and then expand across the country. It was only a matter of time before a group with deep pockets put their money behind the beer bar trend (Bornmann's partners include Noel Bowman of the Las Vegas ice bar, Minus5).
"The sales of national beer brands have gone down while craft beer has gone up," Bornmann said. "It's become the new wine."
The bar will have 40 tap lines and 100 bottled beers. Bornmann admits to being a craft beer novice, but the man curating New Bohemia's selection shouldn't be a stranger to any serious Twin Cities beer fan.
Enter Jason Alvey, the owner of acclaimed craft beer store the Four Firkins. Alvey is working with New Bohemia through his other business, Craft Beer Consulting, LLC. He said his goal is to fill the beer list with the best representatives of each stylistic category. He envisions a heavy emphasis on Minnesotan and American craft mixed with the best Belgian and German brews. Alvey said Bohemia will employ the most beer-educated staff possible and top-of-the-line equipment.
"It's all about the beer experience," Alvey said.
The food menu will be fast-casual, focusing on sausages and fries, while the boho interior will feature long communal tables like a traditional beer hall.
Bornmann said part of his plan is to "modernize the beer hall." Customers will be given iPads to peruse the bar's extensive beer menu. With the touch of a finger they'll be able to search by flavor profile, beer style, etc.
Bornmann said craft beer chains have worked in other parts of the country, noting Yard House on the West Coast and Flying Saucer in the South. He thinks Minneapolis is a great test market. Broker Andrea Christenson is already scouting future locations. But are local-loving beer fans ready for a beer bar with national aspirations?
