Mother Nature's Cider
The most interesting foods we eat have a direct connection to the land, the plant and the farmer that grew them. Each and every place on this Earth has a unique biological niche capable of yielding so...
Foxtown Brewing: Pairing the Past with the Present
Easily loved by even the newest beer drinkers and solid enough for the beer enthusiast.
Beer Spotlight: 160 Acre Landbier 5.3% ABV | 25 IBU Sessionable, German-style Pilsner. Dark Amber in color and notes of very light chocolate and caramel. Nearly undetectable hops character makes this perfect for what is known as a German “house beer.” Easily loved by even the newest beer drinkers and solid enough for the beer enthusiast. It’s hard to miss the recent developments along Mequon Road in the Mequon Town Center District. Sparking the revival on the southern end of the district is Foxtown Brewing. The chain of buildings once housing the Opitz Zimmerman Brewery, dating back over 160 years ago, has been transformed to a balanced mix of the past and present. Foxtown’s brewery and restaurant have been thriving since its recent opening in November of 2019, and can only be described as a more-than-welcome addition to the village. Heading up the project is Tom Nieman, a man whose family roots date back to the time when the Opitz Zimmerman Brewery was in full swing. The Nieman family merged with the Fromm family through both marriage and business ventures back in the 1920’s and have left an everlasting imprint in the Ozaukee County area. Foxtown’s name is ripe with history as the Nieman/Fromms were once known for the Fromm Brothers Fur & Ginseng Farm, the world’s largest silver fox ranch nestled in nearby Thiensville. Their empire expanded through the years to birth an array of successful businesses including the well-known pet food brand, Fromm Family Foods. A blend of the love of beer and deep connection to local history was the perfect foundation to start Foxtown Brewing. The names of each of their beers and the rehabilitation of the old brewery buildings honor Mequon’s rich history. With each beer comes a retrospective name and story related to the region. Take for example, the sessionable and malty 160 Acre Landbier. Foxtown’s general manager Kyle Smith says, “This beer was named for the transaction that occurred between John Weston and John Henry Thien,” who went on to found Thiensville with the 160 acres of land that he had acquired. John Weston also has a namesake beer: Weston’s Hazy IPA. This juicy New England IPA is a nod to Weston’s roots on the East Coast. Each beer has history behind it that falls in line with the vibe of Foxtown’s brewery space. “We like to have fun doing things the right way,” says Smith about the production of their beverages. The “fun” and “right way” doesn’t end solely with the history and beer names, Foxtown boasts a full kitchen menu and a family-friendly atmosphere. Patrons can choose from Foxtown’s menu items like the Foxtown 1875 burger complete with house-made patties, Friday fish specials and a kids menu. Foxtown certainly has achieved a warm and inviting space perfect for enjoying a cold one and a bite, all while celebrating the history of the area and introducing the past to Mequon’s present.
Related Stories & Recipes