“Our taproom wouldn’t be half the space it is now without the warm touch of the Timeworn table tops!”
Utepils Brewing Fast Facts:
Address: 225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Website: utepilsbrewing.com
Opened: February 18, 2017
Size: 18,000+ Square Feet
Wooden Table Tops:
- Seventeen 36” x 36” Rustic Patina Cherry Wooden Table Tops
- New 4” x 4” Post Legs Made Using Reclaimed Pine
Brewery Overview:
Utepils Brewing is a new Minnesota craft brewery specializing in producing the finest European beers. Located on the banks of Bassett Creek in northwestern Minneapolis, Utepils’ 18,000 square foot site features an iconic taproom, relaxing outdoor beer garden, and a full-scale craft brewery.
While designing the Fernweh Taproom, the Utepils team strived to create a comfortable place where people couldn’t wait to gather and spend time together. Drawing inspiration European and Bavarian design, the team wanted to make sure their taproom felt authentic and warm above all. This is what led them to Timeworn
Take it from Kelsey!
Kelsey Bomgaars, Utepils Brewing’s Taproom Manager, was eager to share more about her experience working with Timeworn and how the wood table tops have made the Fernweh Taproom a one-of-a-kind space!
What is the mission of Utepils Brewing?
Utepils was born out of a desire to brew great beer that brought people together. Good living comes from good brewing, it’s as simple as that!
What goals were you trying to achieve with the layout and design of your taproom?
We tried to blend a touch of Europe with our local Minnesota comforts. In Europe, specifically Germany, they use a lot of long wooden table tops to create a sense of gathering in their breweries. We wanted to capture that same idea by using wooden tables where people can have great conversations and enjoy great beer together. I really believe that having table tops that look beautiful and feel authentic creates a warm environment where people feel comfortable connecting with each other.
Briefly describe the design process of the Fernweh Taproom.
Our team designed the taproom from the ground up. We wanted to incorporate grander statement pieces into the design while also maintaining a hyper-local mentality that reflected our Minnesota roots. We sought out locally-based artists using locally sourced materials. This is reflected in our taproom’s various paintings by local artists, wall paneling made from reclaimed Wisconsin barn wood, and our Minnesota-made wooden table tops.
How did you first discover Timeworn and what drew you to them?
In the fall of 2016, the team began discussing the idea of bringing reclaimed materials into the brewery. I did a Google search for “reclaimed hardwood tables custom made” and Timeworn was the first result. After browsing the wooden table tops on their website and contacting Amanda, I knew this was the company we were going to work with. Their table tops were stunning and very reasonably priced plus they were such lovely people; we could not pass up the opportunity.
Why did you decide to go with Timeworn?
Timeworn was a local company that produced wonderful products and on top of that, they were so friendly! When they sent us samples of their table tops, we were in awe of the incredible quality. Timeworn’s attention to detail in the manufacturing of their wooden table tops was something we held very near to our hearts and it perfectly complements the way we brew our beer. All of these things supported our decision to go with Timeworn.
When did you order the table tops and when did you receive them?
We placed our order in September and picked up our wooden table tops in November.
The whole process happened very quickly and the Timeworn team worked efficiently to make it happen. When we first reached out we weren’t really sure what we wanted, but Amanda was more than happy to help us with recommendations and provide samples of various table top styles. Once we knew which table top designs we wanted, they were built within 3-4 weeks. Our team drove out to pick up the table tops; mostly because we wanted to check out the Timeworn shop. Jared and Amanda were so welcoming to our team and gladly gave us a tour of their entire shop! They even loaded up the tables into our truck!
How have your customers reacted to the table tops?
Every single day, somebody walks into the brewery and says “this space is amazing.” There wasn’t a whole lot that went into the design of our taproom but the tables warm it up immensely. People walk in and they immediately feel comfortable by the warmth of the room and the tables play a huge part of that. They are so gorgeous.
Describe your daily maintenance and care of the table tops.
The table tops are super durable and so easy to care for. Other tables I’ve served on will start to get white rings in the finish from glasses, but that doesn’t happen with these. They’re incredibly strong and because they’re so beautiful, our staff feels even more obligated to take care of them.
Describe your experience working with the Timeworn team.
Amanda is so crazy organized and I’m not! I loved working with her because she was on the ball about everything from beginning to end. She was so fast about getting back to me on everything and saw every detail of the project through to the end. Jared’s craftsmanship of the table tops is second to none. The hospitality they showed us when we picked up our tables from their location was incredible. It was truly an outstanding experience and we look forward to working with them again in the near future!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Our taproom wouldn’t be half the space it is now without the warm touch of the Timeworn table tops. They add so much to our brewery and bring a distinct important element to our design and our brand. I highly recommend Timeworn table tops to any restaurant or brewery owner!
See (and taste) For Yourself!
