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Iowa Business Report Wednesday EditionMar. 19, 2025 Chris Flenker, head brewer at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom in Cedar Rapids, who says there's more to making a successful beer than just a proper combination of ingredients.
Look for Pink Outside the Box Cold IPA collaboration beer release set for International Women's Day on March 8. Licensed locations can pre-order the beer through Big Grove distribution network. Part 1. Ophelia Flores, brewer at Big Grove Brewery, and Susan Frantz, owner of Fenceline Beer Lab, discuss building the Cold IPA recipe and the ingredients that give back to the cause. Part 2. Mikala Demet, community manager at Big Grove Brewery, shares the importance of being impactful and intentional with community programs. You can find our host Janelle @Buxtonja on Instagram Find out more about our show @thevorlaufhour on all social platforms
The Great American Beer Festival recently held its annual awards ceremony in Denver, Colorado and hundreds of breweries from all over the U.S. competed to win gold, silver and bronze medals for approx 100 different beer styles. For those who won gold, especially for popular styles like hazy pale ale and German pilsner, what goes into making these beers and what do they think they did to deserve such accolades? We talk to these two medal winners: Minnesota based Arbeiter Brewing and Iowa based Big Grove Brewery about their process and what they believe goes into making award winning brews.This Episode is Sponsored by:Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged BeerIf you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in ChicagoYou'll get access to more than 350 beers, ciders, meads and perrys from 13 style categories brewed by the world's top barrel-aged brewers—all under one roof. The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago takes flight November 22nd and 23rd in Chicago.Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.comEstrella GaliciaEstrella Galicia is an independent, family-owned brewery in northwest Spain, founded in 1906.Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial is a world class lager, brewed using the finest Spanish malts, locally cultivated Galician hops and the best brewing practices, in a state-of-the-art facility in La Coruña . Recognized around the world for quality and exceptional character. Estrella Galicia is “A beer like no other.”Hosts: Em Sauter and Don TseGuests: Aaron Hermanand Andy JoyntSponsors: Estrella Galicia, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer, All About BeerTags: IPA, Hazy IPA, Winning, Competition, GABF, German-style pilsnerPhoto: by Andy Crouch ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Against all odds, it's back. That season of German-style beers and horrible shark movies. It's...SHARKTOBERFEST!!! Somehow Logan and Dustin have found their way back to the beginning and must endure another festive fish fiasco! For this first episode, they tackle Cruel Jaws, a movie that rips off the Jaws franchise so hard that it actually includes unauthorized footage from all four Jaws films and tried to be released under the title "Jaws 5". Paired with this cinematic heist, is Big Grove Brewery's Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager. Let kick things off right!
Bike Talk with Dave: Bicycle racing, cyclocross, gravel, mountain bike, road and tech
The core4 is an August race where no surface is left untouched - beautiful crushed stone roads (known to most of us as 'gravel'!), grassy farm access lanes, dirty level-B roads, lovely singletrack (and challenging singletrack!), limestone paths and even some much appreciated pavement to give your body a rest! And let's not leave out the cyclocross finish! Starting and finishing at the Wilson's Orchard north of Iowa City, Iowa, core4 enters it's third year, this time with some cash for the fast folks in the challenging Stone Crusher 100-miler. It's reputation as a great event, and maybe the cash purse, brought in a new level of pros: Chase Wark, Inno Zavyalov, Drew Dillman, Gabby Arnold as well as past champions like Nate Kullbom, Vanessa Curtis, Chris Hansen and more! I was there to enjoy a weekend of camping with friends, riding the lovely, yet challenging 60-mile route and talk to some of those trouncing the 100-miler. Thanks to Alex, Nate and the entire core4 crew for inviting me along - the whole experience was top notch - from packet pickup at the beautiful Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City, camping at Wilson's Orchard, the coffee and doughnuts in the morning, a creative, fun and interesting route, well stocked aid stations (which I should have stopped at at least once! #ranoutofwater), plus post-race brews, music, food and fun! I loved it all and will be back. Put it on your schedule for August 16, 2025 - and maybe we'll offer a Bike Talk with Dave discount again! (Listen next Spring and Summer!!). Head on over to www.core4.bike for details! If in the central Iowa area, join us at our weekly cyclocross practices at Renegade Cross - Tuesday nights at a variety of Des Moines parks. Tune in to BIKEIOWA.com for details and locations. And pin a number on at Capital City Cross in Des Moines on Sept. 21 and 22!We would love it if you would consider supporting Bike Talk with Dave by rating, reviewing and sharing on your favorite podcast platform. We'd invite you to support the show financially at www.buymeacoffee.com or on Venmo @David-Mable. You'll receive a Bike Talk with Dave sticker!Follow Bike Talk with Dave on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biketalkwithdave/ and Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun, and you can now find every episode on your computer at www.biketalk.bike. And now available on YouTube on the Bike Talk with Dave YouTube channel!And if you need any digital media work: photography, videography and editing, podcast production and editing, look no further than Mable Media. Connect at www.mablemedia.net to help grow your brand and connect with your audience!
Prepare to be enlightened by our latest episode of the Jack Hopkins Show, featuring two remarkable guests: retired research engineer Chris Jones and Jess Piper, the executive director of Blue Missouri. Chris dives into the alarming water quality issues affecting rural Iowa and the broader nation, while Jess shares her inspiring journey into political activism and recounts a disturbing encounter with law enforcement. They join forces to expose the rampant misuse of land, the devastating impact of big money on our environment, and the critical need for progressive organizing in rural communities. You'll gain new insights into their upcoming event on August 7th at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City, where these pressing topics will be discussed further.Our conversation sheds light on the severe health concerns tied to water contamination in rural areas, with Iowa's high cancer rates taking center stage. Jess provides personal anecdotes about the detrimental effects of crop dusting on her gardening and her neighbors, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Chris presents the chilling statistic that Iowa holds the second-highest cancer rate in the U.S., linked to agricultural practices inundated with nitrates and chemicals. This episode underscores the crucial need to reevaluate modern farming techniques and their far-reaching health and environmental impacts.We also tackle the broader implications of monopolized agriculture on rural economies and communities. Chris offers a stark analysis of how big agriculture's focus on ethanol production monopolizes fertile land, reducing local food production and contributing to environmental degradation. Jess and Chris highlight the decline of small towns, the loss of public services, and the overwhelming consequences for rural economies. Through engaging stories and strategic insights, we emphasize the importance of community engagement and grassroots efforts, inspiring listeners to take an active role in preserving and revitalizing their rural communities.Support the Show.
The Gazette's Pints & Politics with Iowa Public Radio on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Took place at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids with special quests Adam B Sullivan and Liam Halawith. Hosts include The Gazette's Erin Jordan and IPR's Ben Kieffer.
Firestone Walker CMO Dustin Hinz and brand director Hannah Barnett explore the marketing approach to the Paso Robles, California-based craft brewery's biggest brand, 805, as well as its portfolio of other brands, including Cali Squeeze, Mind Haze and the F Brand. Hinz and Barnett break down Firestone Walker's Authenticos partnership program and how the black-and-white film work the brand does with its ambassadors plays with wholesalers. Plus, the Brewbound team reviews the latest news, including Iowa's Big Grove Brewery taking a majority stake in non-alcoholic, THC-infused sparkling water brand Climbing Kites and the union strike at Molson Coors' Fort Worth facility. The team also plays Another Round or Tabbing Out on the Brewers Association's decision to pause Homebrew Con and shift activities to the Great American Beer Festival.
We're at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa checking out their Czech Lager. I take a sip and suddenly, I'm transported back to Prague. Maybe travel isn't so temporary after all. https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/travelisnttemporary ※ - The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.
Episode 82: Knit the pretty things Episode Number: 82 Record date: 1/21/24 Publish Date: 1/30/24 Edited by: Caitlyn Beverages! Hawaii! Hanalei Island IPA by Kona Brewing Double Blackberry Sour by Big Grove Brewery Announcements and Gravel Knits Events 2024 Challenge Calendar Year Jan 1-Dec 31 finished in those dates What's Brewing (Current projects/ cast ons) Kelsi: Syrah https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/syrah-7 Tricot Designs MCL Marie-Christine Lévesque Big Wheels Keep Turnin' Ursa Major Knits Spinning!!! First Superwash/Nylong blend Caitlyn: Birthday cast on! Outline Tank by Jessie Mae Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Sock Colorway: 870 Candombe Birthday 2021 Cast On! Ravelry Link Abraço by Filipa CarneiroNeedles: US 6 - 4.0 mmYarns: Lion Brand LB Collection Merino Camel Colorway: 174 Olive Plymouth Yarn Cammello Merino Colorway: 21 Ravelry Link New Spiral hat! Green and red so I can have my own Christmas hat!!!!!! What's on tap (FOs) Kelsi: 12 days of Christmas MKAL Nomadic Knits WWW.NOMADICKNITS.COM Starry Fusion x 3 Kelsi's pattern 3 skeins of Yarn What's Hopping (Stash Enhancements/Yarn collecting) Kelsi: Mini Skeins from Molly Klein Designs Topic: 2024 Aspirations Bike Stuff Bring a bike lock-JUST DO IT Find us You can find us on facebook at: Gravel Knits Instagram and Untappd as: GravelKnits Our Website is: GravelKnits.com You can email us at: gravelknits@gmail.com Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/gravelknits Kelsi Ravelry & Instagram: BikesBrewsEwes Untappd: kelsij Caitlyn Ravelry & Instagram: CaitlynNLloyd instagram: CaitlynKnitsandBikes Please message us to let us know what you would like us to talk about! And we would love to hear what you think about the show. If you like the podcast-please share it with a friend! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gravelknits/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gravelknits/support
Stories featured– Big Grove Brewery, Pickle Palace ready to open Kingston Yard development in Cedar Rapids– Arrest made in theft of power cords that kept Cedar Rapids holiday lights dark– Orchestra Iowa jazzing up Holiday Spectacular in Cedar RapidsEpisode transcriptYou are listening to The Gazette's Daily News Podcast on Friday, December 15, 2023. This is the podcast that delivers quick bites from the latest headlines coming out of the Gazette newsroom. I'm Bailey Cichon filling in for Stephen Schmidt.Big Grove Brewery and Pickle Palace are the first tenants to open for business at Kingston Yard. Kingston Yard is Cedar Rapids' $81.5 million mixed use development located at 1st and 1st West. Big Grove opened yesterday, December 14. This marks the brand's fourth tap room. The Cedar Rapids location features a large patio for those who want to enjoy fresh air with their beers. Inside, visitors can view open fermentation tanks. This is a technique favored in Germany and the Czech Republic but used by just a handful of U.S. breweries. Meanwhile, the Pickle Palace entertainment and dining complex is planning a soft opening by invitation at the end of this month. The Pickle Palace is multiple levels. It holds--get ready for this list--a pickle ball court, a casual restaurant, a bar overlooking the court, special event space, a duckpin bowling alley, a British-themed pub and an extensive rooftop patio. For more details and photos, read the story at thegazette.com. There's a link to that story in this episode's description. An arrest has been made in the theft of extension cords lighting holiday decorations in Cedar Rapids. 48-year-old Scott Allen Clark was arrested Wednesday on three counts of 5th degree theft and one count each of criminal mischief and illegal possession of prescription drugs. Over the last two weeks, extension cords from holiday light displays were stolen from Greene Square Park downtown, NewBo City Market and from a park in the MedQuarter, located at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 8th St. SE. Next, Orchestra Iowa's Holiday Spectacular will feature the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra. Maestro Timothy Hankewich told The Gazette that since there's no Christmas music ever written for big band and symphony orchestra, the groups had to write it themselves. The shows run Friday, December 15th through Sunday, December 17th at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids. Read more about Orchestra Iowa's addition of Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra and find out what the jazz band does when it isn't collaborating with the symphonic orchestra at thegazette.com. You can find the link to that story in this episode's description. Finally, let's take a look at today's weather in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Today will be cloudy with a high of 48 degrees and a low of 37 degrees. Over the weekend, you can expect highs in the forties. Saturday is set to rain while Sunday will be cloudy. Thank you for listening to The Gazette's Daily News Podcast. I'm Bailey Cichon.
Stories referenced– 71-year-old Cedar Rapids woman killed in fire– Private funding will be key to 5-year plan for revitalizing downtown, Cedar Rapids City Council says– Big Grove Brewery announces opening date for new Cedar Rapids locationEpisode TranscriptYou are listening to The Gazette's daily news podcast on Thursday, December 7th, 2023. This is the podcast where we give you quick bites from the latest headlines coming out of the Gazette newsroom.I'm Bailey Cichon filling in for Stephen Schmidt,A 71-year-old Cedar Rapids woman is dead after a Tuesday afternoon apartment building fire. Wasfia Elshannaway was one of four people taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation and other injuries. The fire broke out on the third floor of the apartment building at 210 19th St. in Northeast Cedar Rapids. Fire responders were called at 2:13pm. Firefighters and police removed several people from the building. Two cats were killed in the fire and two others were rescued by Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control according to a news release from the fire department.The cause of the fire was accidental but what started the fire has not been released due to the ongoing investigation. For more details, read Emily Andersen's story at thegazette.com. Find the link in the episode description.Cedar Rapids City Council signed off on a 5-year downtown action and vision plan on Tuesday. Now, the Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District Commission will form a task force to recommend a downtown management structure in 2024. According to the plan, the desired result would be a business plan for the preferred option and a collaboration commitment from the City, Economic Alliance and Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District Commission. For more details, read Marissa Payne's story at thegazette.com.Big Grove Fans can now mark their calendars for the opening of Big Grove Brewery's Cedar Rapids location. The brewery announced its fourth and newest location at 170 First St. SW will open Dec. 14. Big Grove is also in the process of opening a new distribution center in Iowa City known as "The Hop Lot". The Gazette's Elijah Decious reports that Big Grove plans to open the hop lot by February. For more details on the new facilities, read the story at thegazette.com.
From consumer preferences, to growing a company, I'm excited to have David Moore and Andy Joynt of Big Grove Brewing on the show this week. As the brewery expands through Iowa and is eyeing other states, we will talk about flavors and creativity, and finding ways to stay nimble in a challenging industry.Joynt has been the director of beer for Big Grove Brewery for 7 years and became an owner in 2020. He is responsible for all beer that is made at Big Groves five different operations that includes two production facilities as well as three smaller taproom breweries. Under his leadership Big Grove has become the number one top selling craft beer in Iowa surpassing Blue Moon and Leinenkugels. Big Grove has also captured multiple awards including World Beer Cup, GABF, and US Open Beer. Moore spent the first six years at Big Grove as the chief operations officer and became an owner in 2020. He recently moved to chief growth officer where he will oversee the company's advancement in new markets for taprooms, distribution, as well as all new business divisions. He is also the CEO and owner of Climbing Kites, Iowa first and top selling THC infused beverage company. This Episode is Sponsored By:ShopifyShopify's already taken the cash register online, helping millions sell billions around the world. But did you know that Shopify can do the same thing at your retail store? Give your point-of-sale system a serious upgrade, with Shopify. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/drinkbeer and take your retail business to the next level today.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer. Host: John Holl Guests: Andy Joynt and David Moore Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer Tags: Iowa, Craft, Restaurant, Growth, Flavor, Hospitality
Janelle Buxton of Big Grove Brewery interviews Ashlie Coady & Whitney Greta of Confluence Brewing on 2023 World Beer Cup Medals, the Chew Bocka calling contest, and trends picked up at the May 2023 Craft Brewers Conference. Listen to their perspectives on the importance of inclusion in the craft beer industry, giving a finger to those who said you can't, and journeys to careers in craft beer.
Have you tried a Tailwind yet? It's a Golden Ale celebrating all things RAGBRAI and it is from Big Grove, the official Brewery of RAGBRAI!! On this episode Murph talks with some of the breweries you will see along the 2023 route. Iowa breweries are rich with history and have passion for their craft that shows in the products they produce! On this episode we feature Big Grove as well as GeZellig, Millstream, Front Street and Brightside Aleworks. https://biggrove.com/ https://www.gezelligbrewing.com/ https://millstreambrewing.com/ https://www.frontstreetbrew.com/ Brightside Aleworks: 563-379-6232 www.ragbrai.com www.murphologypodcast.com How to pack for RAGBRAI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WglGxKHjYYg Photo credit: Big Grove Brewery
The University of Iowa and Board of Regents will settle a lawsuit that claims the Hawkeye football program and its coaches further a culture of racism and harassment. In 2020, seven former players accused the program and its coaches of discriminating against players, using derogatory terms and creating a racially-hostile environment. Now, the UI and Board of Regents have agreed to pay $4.175 million to settle the lawsuit. According to the proposed settlement, the state would pay $2 million of that from its general fund. State Auditor Rob Sand opposes spending that state money “unless (UI Athletics Director) Gary Barta is no longer employed at the university and forfeits any severance or similar pay.” Sand said this is the fourth discrimination case against the UI Athletics Department in under nine years which resulted in nearly $11 million in settlements under Barta. The Gazette's Vanessa Miller broke down the settlement payments and recent developments. Find Miller's article at thegazette.com. In other news, Big Grove Brewery has awarded $32,000 in grants to four Iowa nonprofits. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, Central Iowa Shelter Services, the Free Lunch Program of Iowa City and Iowa City Coralville Boxing Club will be awarded $8,000 each. Big Grove Brewery's Director of Communications Janelle Buxton said, “We know $8,000 isn't much to some, but to others, it could make or break their operating budgets for the year. Whatever we do, we want to make a significant contribution to their project or program.” Because Big Grove's next location is under construction in Cedar Rapids, Linn County nonprofits will be eligible for grants in the next cycle. For more information, read Elijah Decious's story at thegazette.com.Finally, a look at today's weather. Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 47 and a low of 32. Winter weather may return to Cedar Rapids as there's a 20% chance of snow after midnight. Winds will reach as high as 30mph.Thank you for listening to The Gazette's Daily News Podcast. I'm Bailey Cichon.
In this Brew Talks replay, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, Dan Kenary of Harpoon's parent company Mass. Bay Brewing and Suzanne Schalow of Craft Beer Cellar share their views on the evolution of the beer category with the addition of fourth category offerings such as hard seltzers, spirits-based canned cocktails, hard kombuchas, hard teas and more. Plus, the Brewbound team discusses the results of the Brewers Association's latest Harris Poll consumer survey, the growth of Big Grove Brewery in Iowa, Twisted Tea's importance to Boston Beer and Labor Day plans.
We got a chance to get a sneak peek of Big Grove Brewery in Downtown Des Moines!
With Excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, the Founder of Big Grover Brewery, Matt Swift. Matt Swift grew up in the restaurant business. His mom, Faye Swift, opened Sluggers in Coralville, IA when Matt was just a young boy. Matt would go on to work in that restaurant learning about a hospitality first mentality and High standards before opening his first restaurant, Black Stone, in 2007. With numerous partners, Matt has since gone on to open Red's Ale House (2009) Big Grove Brewery Solon (2013), 30 Hop (2014), Pullmans bar (2015), Mosely's Barbecue and Provisions (2016), Big Grove, Iowa City (2017), Saint Burch Tavern (2018), Tribute (2020), and the Iowa Athletic Clun (2021). Today's feature affiliate: Bentobox. In need of a restaurant website? Click this link to find out why so many of my guests use Bentobox! Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Not preparing is preparing to fail." In this episode with Matthew Swift we will discuss: Dealing with a massive floods that ruins your restaurant Partnerships Candor Exiting partners Scaling Transitioning from restaurant to brewery Community involvement Today's sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Plate IQ, your Accounts Payable Automation and Expense Management solution. PateIQ works with 20,000 restaurants across the country. Plate IQ uses OCR "Optical Character Recognition" and Deep Machine Learning to eliminate manual data entry from the AP process. Automate the full life cycle of your invoices from General Ledger coding to bill payment via PlateIQ's VendorPay network. With PlateIQ's VendorPay you can seamless flow from invoice upload to paying your bills. You can earn cashback on invoices from over 180,000 vendors. With Plate IQ Vender Pay, you can see what is due when. Schedule payment by check/ACH/or Plate IQ Card. Lastly, VendorPay is also FOR Vendors. Keeping your vendors happy will give you leverage in negotiating your terms. Vendors participating in Plate IQ's VendorPay network LOVE it because it shortens Day Sales Outstanding by 25% - AKA: Vendors get paid 25% faster. To learn more head to plateIQ.com/unstoppable to get at least 25% off implementation. Fluctuating food prices. Staffing challenges- Now more than ever you need to control costs to remain profitable. MarginEdge is a restaurant management software that lets you see your food and labor costs in real time. By automating your invoice processing and totally digitizing your back office, MarginEdge saves your team hours on paperwork and gives you instant insights to manage your prime costs. Try MarginEdge free for 30 days. No contract. No setup fee. Learn more at marginedge.com/unstoppable Over 20,000 restaurants trust ChowNow (chownow.com/unstoppable) for their online ordering. With ChowNow, you'll take control of your online presence, connect with more local diners, and keep your hard-earned profits. Join the free ChowNow Marketplace to reach new customers without commissions. Want to go big? Put your restaurant in the spotlight with ChowNow Direct—a full suite of branded ordering and marketing tools, including your own app! For a limited time, Restaurant Unstoppable listeners save 30% on a ChowNow Direct annual plan. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Good at saying yes and following through What is your biggest weakness? Details What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Energy What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Staffing Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Practice candor What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Push atmosphere, respect the guest What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Atomic Habits:An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? 7Shifts What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough? Be present, be on the floor Name one service you've hired. 7Shifts If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Not preparing is preparing to fail Take the time to know the people around you Practice candor Contact info: Email: matt@biggrovebrewery.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Matthew Swift for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Executive Chef and Partner at Big Grove Brewery, Ben Smart. An Iowa City native, Ben studied Geo Science at the University of Iowa. After graduating, it didn't take long for Ben to realize that he wasn't cut out for the office life, so he went back to study at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids to study Culinary Arts. After a few short stints cooking in Iowa City, IA and Kansas City, MO, Ben moved to Woodinville, WA in 2008 to work at The Herbfarm. He didn't know it then, but he would spend the next six years of his career at The Herbfarm. In 2012, Ben and his family were ready to make the move back to Iowa, and coincidently, he got a call from an old family friend for an opportunity to be the Executive Chef at a new restaurant opening in Solon, IA; Big Grove Brewery. Ben jumped at the opportunity. Today Ben is a Partner in Big Grove Brewery in Solon, IA, Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City, IA, Pullmans Bar and Diner in Iowa City, IA, and St. Burch's Tavern in Iowa City, IA. Today's feature affiliate: Bentobox. In need of a restaurant website? Click this link to find out why so many of my guests use Bentobox! Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Show me your friends, I'll show you your future." In this episode with Ben Smart we will discuss: Culinary school Networking Fine dining Mise en place Farm to fork Leadership Soft skills Tapping your professional network Visioning Labor Business partnerships Educating staff CORE values Imposter syndrom Today's sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Plate IQ, your Accounts Payable Automation and Expense Management solution. PateIQ works with 20,000 restaurants across the country. Plate IQ uses OCR "Optical Character Recognition" and Deep Machine Learning to eliminate manual data entry from the AP process. Automate the full life cycle of your invoices from General Ledger coding to bill payment via PlateIQ's VendorPay network. With PlateIQ's VendorPay you can seamless flow from invoice upload to paying your bills. You can earn cashback on invoices from over 180,000 vendors. With Plate IQ Vender Pay, you can see what is due when. Schedule payment by check/ACH/or Plate IQ Card. Lastly, VendorPay is also FOR Vendors. Keeping your vendors happy will give you leverage in negotiating your terms. Vendors participating in Plate IQ's VendorPay network LOVE it because it shortens Day Sales Outstanding by 25% - AKA: Vendors get paid 25% faster. To learn more head to plateIQ.com/unstoppable to get at least 25% off implementation. Fluctuating food prices. Staffing challenges- Now more than ever you need to control costs to remain profitable. MarginEdge is a restaurant management software that lets you see your food and labor costs in real time. By automating your invoice processing and totally digitizing your back office, MarginEdge saves your team hours on paperwork and gives you instant insights to manage your prime costs. Try MarginEdge free for 30 days. No contract. No setup fee. Learn more at marginedge.com/unstoppable Diageo Bar Academy equips bartenders, servers, managers, and hospitality professionals with the insights, stories, and tools to be better - raising the bar on industry standards. Diageo Bar Academy reaches a diverse audience, with backgrounds and skill levels of all ranges- providing them with skills, knowledge, and the techniques they need to improve their personal and professional lives. Knowledge Bombs: Which “it factor” habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Discipline What is your biggest weakness? Organization What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? What is their connection to food? What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? All the moving parts Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Cut the tape What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Push our BOH team to "table touch" What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? Toast - KDS What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough? Training their people - professional development Name one service you've hired. Bergan KDV - Business solutions If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Surround yourself with people that challenge you Find something worth sacrificing for Life moves fast, so slow down and try to enjoy it Contact info: Instagram: @biggroveben Email: ben@biggrove.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Ben Smart for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Anthony and Marshall are joined by Danny Stanley, Reid Wilson, and Addison Mittelstaidet of Big Grove Brewery to discuss creating community within corporations, their business as a connection-building entity in communities, the integration of personal and professional life, and fostering holistic growth within professional life. Big Grove is a brewery located in Iowa that has taprooms in Solon, Iowa City and Des Moines. They have been connected with numerous outreach causes to promote connection, community and mental health awareness. Below is a link to their current "Big Grove For Good" community outreach page. https://biggrove.com/pages/big-grove-for-good
Anthony and Marshall are joined by Danny Stanley, Reid Wilson, and Addison Mittelstaidet of Big Grove Brewery to discuss creating community within corporations, their business as a connection-building entity in communities, the integration of personal and professional life, and fostering holistic growth within professional life. Big Grove is a brewery located in Iowa that has taprooms in Solon, Iowa City and Des Moines. They have been connected with numerous outreach causes to promote connection, community and mental health awareness. Below is a link to their current "Big Grove For Good" community outreach page. https://biggrove.com/pages/big-grove-for-good
The gang reunites once more to review Ghost's fifth studio album Impera. The boys unravel the mystery of Papa Emeritus to emerge with a new theory that involves Weird Al secretly fronting the band. Is there any merit to this claim? Hard to say! Ghost tracks previewed on this episode include: "Spillways" "Twenties" "Call Me Little Sunshine" Next up Eric reviews War Zone Sour Watermelon Beard Oil from T3 Beard Co. which may or may not be a wholesome Christian beard company. "Whatever your religion is ... who cares. We're here to talk about sour watermelon beard oil." Eric also shares some fun facts about Warheads. Evan and Eric celebrate Equalitea as they drink Big Grove Brewery's latest sour ale with lemon peel, honey, and white tea. Dan gets green beer catfished by a misleading St. Patrick's Day social media post from Dangerous Man Brewing Co., but ends up reviewing a Blackberry Lime Popsicle IPA from the brewery instead. All's well that ends well. Thanks for listening and stay tuned for our next episode featuring MESHUGGAH!
Eric, Evan and Dan return to review the self-titled, third studio album from Zeal & Ardor. What does the band sound like? Grab a fistful of blues and sprinkle in some gospel. Then add in a healthy portion of black metal. Now you've got yourself a musical stew unlike anything you've ever heard before. Zeal & Ardor tracks previewed on this episode include: "Death to the Holy" "Golden Liar" "Götterdämmerung" Next up, Eric reviews the Neutral Full Spectrum CBD Beard Oil from Beard Octane. He also rates their Neutral Full Spectrum CBD Lathering Conditioning Wash. These products come at a premium price. But are they worth it? You'll have to tune on in to find out! Finally, the boys briefly discuss the difference between West Coast IPAs and Hazy IPAs. Eric proceeds to review Sparkle Wolf by Modern Times Beer and Dan rates Moon Howler by Fulton Beer. Oh, and Evan drinks Easy Eddy by Big Grove Brewery. It was in his fridge. What will the boys review next? Give us a follow and find out. In the meantime, enjoy this episode and take care of yourself!
Welcome to the Chiefs of Tomorowww! The 2nd string/3rd string/practice squad Kansas City Chiefs fall to the S̶a̶n̶ ̶D̶i̶e̶g̶o̶ Los Angeles Chargers 38-21. Highlights for this episode include:•Which lesser known Chiefs impressed when put under the lights (10:41)•Rhys reviews Tailwind Golden Ale from Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City (23:55)•Preview of the upcoming the AFC playoffs and who the Chiefs should want to face (32:07)•
https://www.tylerrichton.com/contact-usThe story of Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys isn’t easy to put on to paper. The name "High Bank Boys" comes from the body of water flowing through the bands home territory in Deep River, Iowa. The Deep River passes through the town of the same name, but the shallow stream wasn't named for its actual depth, but rather the "High Banks" that contain the river in the town and surrounding area. Known for having their practices in and around the community, the “High Bank Boys” became the perfect name for the sensational group of men that was founded there.While shows performed by Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys are youthful and lively, the four members of the High Bank Boys have more than 50 years of experience playing live music combined. With this kind of dedication and devotion to country music, it's no wonder that the High Bank Boys have become the premier country band in the area. Known for being an excellent dance band as well as making the crowd feel like "one of the guys" when there's no dance floor available, the High Bank Boys are at home playing in almost any kind of venue or event.The musical travels of the various members of Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys have been extensive, both before and through the formation of the current band. Music has taken them from local clubs, to fireman's dances and anniversary parties, and from the largest events and festivals to street dances in the smallest of towns throughout the entire state of Iowa. Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys have been honored to be the opening act for Locash, John Michael Montgomery, High Valley, Sunny Sweeney, Jordan Davis and Brett Young, among others. Each performance has been a great professional achievement for them, and they anxiously look forward to the next opportunity!Their most rewarding experiences, however, are the looks of satisfaction on the faces of their fans during and after another great show. It’s easy to see from their following, that this group of guys and the music they play is genuinely appreciated. Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys’ repertoire includes iconic country cover tunes, as well as original music that is written and arranged by the band. All this and more makes the High Bank Boys a danceable, partying, crowd-pleasing, energetic band that is entertaining for folks of all ages.While our group makes the music, it's the individuals in the band that make Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys so unique.https://biggrovebrewery.com/We take pride in brewing award-winning craft beer and creating thoughtfully prepared food, both delivered by a warm and knowledgeable staff. Our Iowa City and Solon locations offer unique experiences in eclectic and uniquely designed spaces. Our teams, our guests, and our community are the heart of Big Grove Brewery. We live what we love, and we love what we do. Big Grove Brewery is your brewery, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Cheers!EXPLORE OUR BEERS
The last time Evan and Eric recorded an episode of Beats, Beards & Brews together — minus Dan — it was right before COVID-19 hit the U.S. in full force. Since that went so well, the duo decided it was time to reunite for a review of Napalm Death's 16th studio album Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism. Eric drops some knowledge about the grindcore music genre. Evan revisits blast beats. This is angry music for angry boys (and girls). Enjoy the ride and maybe learn something new. Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism tracks previewed on the episode include: Backlash Just Because Amoral A Bellyful of Salt and Spleen Eric switches gears for the beard/men's grooming portion of the episode and reviews the Haddonfield Limited Edition Pomade from The Classics Pomade Company. Keep an eye out on the company's Instagram page for more fun limited edition styling products during spooky season and beyond. In the beer portion of the episode, Evan and Eric say farewell to summer by drinking and reviewing Pineapple Cherry Swirl Fruited Sour Ale from Big Grove Brewery. Did Evan actually find a sour beer that he thoroughly enjoys? Tune in to find out! Oh, and while you're at it, follow us at @bbbpod on Instagram and Twitter! P.S. During the episode Eric mentions he will share some of the albums that explore Napalm Death's evolving musical style. Here are some albums to check out: From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988) – straight-up grindcore sound, with vocalist Lee Dorian Harmony Corruption (1990) – Mark "Barney" Greenway's debut on vocals, this album has some death metal influence Diatribes (1996) – Napalm Death's "controversial" exploration of the groove metal sound The Code is Red - Long Live the Code (2005) – Napalm Death's move to its modern sound Apex Predator - Easy Meat (2015) – prior release to Throes of Joy that "Barney" referred to as its companion album And just to verify, Haddonfield, Illinois, is the fictional town that is the setting of the Halloween horror movie franchise. And as far as we can tell from our limited research, Brooklyn Martinez — the owner of The Classics Pomade Company — is a dude, not that it matters! Eric just wasn't 100% certain of these facts on the show.
Hello almost Spring! For the podcast, Aislinn was enjoying a limited edition Hazier Things: Neverending Story from Big Grove Brewery.…
In this episode, we'll talk with brewery Andy Joynt of Big Grove Brewery in Solon and Iowa City. We'll talk about the multi-faceted challenges of brewery expansion. We'll talk about Tailwind, the official beer of RAGBRAI. And we'll talk about much, much more. This episode of The Sight Glass is brought to you by the Iowa Wine and Beer Promotion Board.
With open arms, Sam and Jay welcome Andy Joynt (head brewer) and Matt Swift (owner) from Iowa's Big Grove Brewery. In town for the Craft Brewers Conference, Andy and Matt drop by Tivoli Brewing Company for a few pints and some conversation about Iowa's craft beer scene, growing hops in the Midwest, and a shared disdain for Nebraska. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
One of the founders of Big Grove Brewery, Matt Swift, sits down with TJ to talk craft beer, the Big Grove Brewery's involvement as official beer of RAGBRAI and their new Tailwind Golden Ale and the new event, the Big Rove coming in June. Andrea returns with a ParrotTalk on communicating during RAGBRAI.
Wow 99 episodes! Murph interviews Sarah Cooper as she transitions from elite ultra distance cyclist to race director to a handful of tough gravel races in 2019. TJ and Mark chat about the upcoming 100 episode party at Big Grove Brewery on January 10 and ParrotTalk returns to talk about the upcoming PeopleForBikes DRAFT event on January 24 in Des Moines.
Murph chats with Roy Rhodes who is an ironman of cycling. Roy has ridden his bike everyday for over 1,000 days and counting! TJ talks about the 100 JustGoBike Podcast Celebration slated for Thursday, January 10 at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City. A bike ride, live podcast and live music by Mike McAbee will round out the schedule.
This week Mark talks with Sue George from Bike Flights about their services to ship bikes all over the world. Mark and TJ visited Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City to record this week's show and perhaps sample a tasty beverage. They were so impressed they are thinking of a future event there! Hmmm?
In honor of the first day of the 99th annual Mississippi Valley Fair, country artist Jake McVey stopped by the Quad-City Times newsroom. The Burlington, Iowa native and current resident of Nashville, Tennessee sings like a pop-country purist with lyrics shouting out Templeton Rye whiskey, John Deere tractors and a tune all about falling in love at a red light. Even in an acoustic setting, he is also a true performer asking, after two songs, if the small crowd of Quad-City Times staffers would like to hear another one. A viewer on Facebook Live chimed in with an enthusiastic, "Yeeeaaah!" McVey and his bandmates were in town to play the fair and had a busy stretch of shows ahead of them including a stop at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus as well as a set at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City. On his way out, McVey said he'd surely be back in the "neighborhood" soon.
Brewed TV visits Big Grove Brewery in Solon, Iowa