Wiseacre Brewing to expand in home base of Memphis with new brewing facility, taproom

Wiseacre Brewing Co. announced plans to expand its operations with a second brewing facility and taproom in its hometown of Memphis. The land currently under contract in the South Main District of downtown will hold a larger brewing facility being designed to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for its beer.

Additionally, Wiseacre announced that Kemmons Wilson Companies made an investment in the business. Along with providing funding for the downtown facility, Kemmons Wilson Companies will support future strategic growth. Construction on the new building is set to begin in winter of 2018.

Expansion plan

Wiseacre Brewing is best known for its pilsner, Tiny Bomb, which won the bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014. The second production facility will not only allow increased production for their five year-round beers but also open up creativity in the brewing process at the Broad Avenue location.

“We reached capacity at our original location on Broad Avenue more than two years ago, just three years after we opened it. We have had distribution opportunities that we had to turn down because we didn’t have production capacity. Our success is ultimately a testament to the people of Memphis — their support made this massive growth possible, and we are so grateful,” said Wiseacre Cofounder Kellan Bartosch. “It’s only fitting that we find another location in our hometown to continue to grow. We are excited to be a part of the renaissance happening in the South Main corridor and look forward to working with the Downtown Memphis Commission to make our vision come to life.”

Brothers Davin and Kellan Bartosch, with the backing of fellow Memphis native Frank Smith, founded Wiseacre Brewing in 2013. Prior to starting Wiseacre, Davin and Kellan gained a decade of experience working in the brewing industry around the country. Over the last five years, the brewery has become the largest craft brew producer in the state of Tennessee and one of the South’s most popular craft breweries operating in seven states.

“From a technical perspective, the new equipment is thrilling. The more you can control the brewing process, the better the beer will be. We want to make the best beer in the world and make it in Memphis,” said Wiseacre Cofounder and Brewmaster Davin Bartosch. “Kellan and I have always loved South Main and its character. Many people have paved the way to make downtown and South Main what they are. We stand on their shoulders and look forward to providing an authentic Memphis experience in the downtown facility.”

Production will continue at the location on Broad Avenue, but the brothers have yet to reveal specific plans for the evolution of their current home. “Broad Avenue is our first home, and with the new facility freeing up production schedules, we plan to blow the doors wide open in terms of creativity,” added Davin.