Sunset Ridge Brew

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

We wanted a craft beer specifically brewed for Sunset Ridge, named after the Club and only available here. It has added a trendy, fun offering while also increasing the sense of community. Along with other new concepts we’ve introduced, we have seen an increase in food and beverage sales since our opening and we will continue to set the standard higher and higher. We want all of our members to continue enjoying a great dining experience and we feel that continued innovation and improvement is the way to do so.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

First, we had to find the right brewer. We wanted to stay locally in Chicago as we felt the beer scene here was (and is) phenomenal and it was important that we give back by helping our local economy. After contacting several brewers in the area to discuss the opportunity, it wasn’t long before we found a perfect match.

Two months before opening our new bar, we hosted an event, “Which Brew Makes You Hoppy?” The membership sampled five different beers and our chef provided samples of new menu options that would be available after the bar and dining areas were open. The membership tasted the brews blindly and used a scorecard to rate the different options. In the end, our members selected the beer that would become the Club’s very own. On the day of our bar opening, Sunset Amber was on tap for all our membership to try.