It was August 2021 when I met two of the three founders of Corn Coast Brewing Company, Will Walter and Dan Walkemeyer. They had just opened the brewery in Lincoln, and I was excited to see what these two gentlemen were brewing. Almost four years later, I am walking into the new taproom at 10717 Virginia Plaza, Suite 101 in La Vista, and I am ecstatic to have them closer so I can visit more often!
The Omaha metro area continues to grow in popularity as a craft beer destination. The addition of Corn Coast Brewing to Exit 442 (I-80) will create an even bigger attraction to the current breweries of Pint Nine Brewing Company, Kros Strain Brewing, Nebraska Brewing Company, Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., and Infusion Brewing Co.
Citra Soaker Double Hazy IPA
It didn’t take long for Corn Coast’s popularity to skyrocket. I think for me, it was the hazy IPAs, such as the Citra Soaker, that grabbed my attention and won a bronze medal at GABF in 2022. Each time I got a chance to visit the brewery, every style, from lagers to stouts, was spot on!
When you have a great product, the next question becomes expansion. One of the best choices is to open a second location, but where? Dan said they researched several options, but it became clear they would expand somewhere in the Omaha metro. Dan said he and Will had a list of items they considered must-haves, and the location in La Vista had what they were looking for.
We could show all of the beers that would be on tap for the grand opening, but that would spoil the fun.
While I was visiting, Dan and Will prepared for the grand opening on Saturday, April 19th. It was incredible to see that the new taproom would have 20 taps. Dan explained that the goal is to have the same beers in Lincoln and Omaha. They wanted people to know they could enjoy either taproom and get the same beers. I think that is a great idea! The taproom represents the Corn Coast branding very well. Now the question for me was - what new ideas did Will and Dan have for the second time around?
Dan smiled and started to go over the list of items they were excited about in the second taproom, such as:
The 15 x 50 ft. patio would be open in the first year at the new taproom.
A garage door so people could enjoy fresh air in the taproom.
The efficiency of multiple sprayers for the glasses, combined with the twenty taps, makes it easier for numerous people to pour beer.
A private event space that is perfect for all types of events. My mind went first to local businesses. You need to check this space out for team meetings or outings!
A commercial beer glass washer to keep up with the taproom's busy times (I see that happening often).
There are more on the list, but I want everyone to experience other notable features when you visit that taproom!
I can’t imagine all of the planning it takes to get a second location started. Construction started in September of last year amongst other changes going on. In the past six months, Corn Coast has expanded their brewing operation with 60 barrels of additional capacity and another brewer. No slowing down as canning production is also a big part of the brewery, I am glad for this as it is awesome to have lots of to-go options!
Cool merch to go with great beer!
From left to right, Dan, Will, and Andy Barker (taproom manager)
Mark it down on your calendar for the grand opening on Saturday, April 19th, 2025. Dan, Will, Andy, and the rest of the staff look forward to serving you beer from the best coast. It is not the East or West Coast, it is the Corn Coast!
Cheers!