Pictured above Ashley, Ann, Frank, and TIm Uryasz
Last September, I had the opportunity to meet with Tim Uryasz about Ashland Brewing Company, which is currently being built. It was exciting to write about the beginnings of a truly family-based place that believes in supporting local businesses, serving the Ashland community, and loving the great state of Nebraska. You can find the first blog here.
The response to the first blog was overwhelming, with more than 2,500 people reading it! The curiosity, expressed through many questions, shows that the anticipation for Ashland Brewing Company’s opening in 2025 is growing! I thought the best way to keep everyone updated would be through another blog, and Tim agreed! This time, I would meet his wife, mother, and father (which was awesome) as we toured the brewery to see the latest construction updates.
Photos provided by Tim Uryasz
Tim’s grandfather, Frank Uryasz Sr., provided inspiration for the brewery. It is wonderful to see the three generations of Uryasz family members involved in this project! Frank Uryasz Sr., 94, was a long-time employee of Leo A. Daly (architecture and design). A beer lover himself, Frank S. will be an “honorary” brewer. Frank Sr. spent time with his uncle making beer in his hometown of Omaha.
Now, let’s take a look at how construction is going!
The architectural drawing shows the ground-level patio and entrance. From the picture I took, I am behind the bar area, looking back towards the construction workers. The workers are at the indoor entrance where the logo apparel and other logo items for purchase will be. Walking in, patrons will see the brewing equipment on the opposite side of the building through some windows. The brewing system was purchased from Lincoln, Nebraska’s own ABE Equipment.
The bar area on this level is designed to serve people indoors and outdoors. The fresh air on the patio will be great on warm days, and I can already see myself having a beer at the bar! Ashland Brewing Company will have something for everyone. It will have a full bar serving eight of its craft beers and guest taps featuring cider and seltzers. The bar will also offer crafted cocktails, wine, and non-alcohol N/A beer and mocktail options.
The brewing area is appealing for several reasons. The first is the nice space for the 5-barrel brewing system. The second is the windows behind the family above. Driving on Highway 6, you will see the brewing equipment through the tall windows. This will be an incredible sight! It won’t be long (March) before the equipment is installed, and people will know the building is a brewery.
The last item on the first floor is the kitchen area, which is well-designed to serve gastropub-style food. The menu is coming along nicely and will be finalized very soon. Tim also said the kitchen and other features were created to help streamline food preparation and delivery. I am excited to see the menu when it comes out!
With its spectacular views, I anticipate the upstairs patio will be a favorite spot! As you can see from the architectural drawing, there will be an outdoor bar area and tables. Not shown is a private area that can be used for a group of people. As you go indoors, there is a huge bar and a seating area called "The Cabin," which will hold about 70 people. The name comes from the ties to Tim's great-grandparents' cabin in Ashland. The upper floor has high ceilings, making it feel open and spacious. As you look toward the north end of the building facing Highway 6, you will see a room for barrels, which is the unique place where barrel-aging occurs for styles such as imperial stouts!
Barrel-aging room windows facing Highway 6
Front outdoor yard space with flagpoles
Upper patio view looking Northeast
The above pictures show more views from the upper floor and patio. The flagpoles are one of the cool things about the front yard, which is also a great family—and dog-friendly space. Tim said that Ashland Brewing Company will showcase many flags, including those of local schools and universities, the City of Ashland, the State of Nebraska, and the cornerstone American flag.
The outside is now completely enclosed, compared to when it was just the frame in September. The day I was there in January, the construction crew prepared the back lot to pour cement the next day. The cement pad (south end of the building) is now the indoor pickleball and event space area which will accommodate events like wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc. There are so many incredible features, including the design of the courts that can be easily removed for events, thick sound-dampening insulation to reduce noise, and the space for large televisions. I can see it already having the space filled for a Husker football game - GBR!
What a fun day it was to see the progress of the buildout of Ashland Brewing Company! That day, I had my first experience wearing a construction hard hat, which I will never forget.
The construction of the building is a massive project, and you can tell the family loves its ties to the Ashland area. They want to make this establishment more than a brewery and restaurant. They want to make a community place where people can enjoy the area as much as they do.
The grand opening is planned for early summer 2025. In late February/early March, information on reservations for party areas, pickleball, and other related services will be available on the brewery's website, ashlandbrewco.com.
For updates, you can follow Ashland Brewing Company on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
I will also cover the grand opening this summer.
Cheers!