Funkytown Brewery Secures $3.7 Million Grant for Landmark Chicago Facility

In a significant boost for the burgeoning Black-owned craft beer scene, Chicago’s Funkytown Brewery has been awarded a $3.7 million grant from the City of Chicago’s Community Development Grant program. This substantial funding propels the brewery closer to its vision of establishing a landmark standalone facility on the city’s Near West Side, poised to become a vital hub for brewing, distribution, and community engagement.

The grant, announced in January 2026, is earmarked to cover approximately half the cost of a planned $7.4 million project. This ambitious undertaking involves acquiring and transforming a vacant building at 1931 W. Lake St. into a state-of-the-art facility complete with a taproom, production brewery, and distribution center. The strategic location near the iconic United Center positions Funkytown Brewery at the heart of a vibrant area undergoing substantial development.

Founded by childhood friends Zack Day, Greg Williams, and Richard Bloomfield, Funkytown Brewery officially launched in 2021, initially operating out of the Pilot Project Brewing incubator in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. Their journey from an incubator space to planning their own expansive facility underscores the perseverance and vision characteristic of many Black entrepreneurs breaking barriers in the beverage industry. As we’ve previously highlighted, Black-owned breweries are charting new paths and marking significant milestones across the U.S. [Read more about Black-Owned Breweries Marking Milestones and Charting Future Growth Across the U.S.]

Richard Bloomfield, co-founder of Funkytown Brewery, has acknowledged the challenges inherent in fundraising and navigating the broader craft brewing industry, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. However, the city’s investment signals a strong belief in Funkytown’s potential and its vital role in fostering economic development and cultural enrichment. Greg Williams, another co-founder, expressed profound gratitude for the city’s recognition, stating, “It's a sense of gratitude from the city, so that they actually see what we're doing, and you know, they're very appreciative, and they actually respect what we're trying to do.”

This expansion is more than just a business venture; it’s a powerful statement about diversity and inclusion within the craft beer landscape. With less than 1% of U.S. craft breweries being Black-owned, Funkytown Brewery’s growth is crucial for increasing representation and demonstrating that the craft beer community is for everyone. The founders’ commitment to crafting approachable beers—characterized by moderate alcohol levels and low bitterness—is designed to welcome new beer drinkers and appeal to underserved communities, further broadening the industry’s appeal.

Once operational, the new facility will not only enhance Funkytown Brewery’s production capabilities but will also feature its own active taproom. This development will establish Funkytown Brewery as the first fully Black-owned taproom in Chicago, a significant achievement that promises to enrich the city’s diverse cultural fabric. Construction is anticipated to commence later in 2026, with a targeted opening in 2027.

The journey of Funkytown Brewery reflects a broader movement within the Black-owned beverage space—a movement of innovation, community building, and a steadfast dedication to carving out equitable spaces for Black entrepreneurs. The city’s grant provides a concrete foundation for Funkytown Brewery to realize its ambitious plans, contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant future for craft beer in America.

Sources

• Funkytown Brewery lands Chicago grant for facility planned near United Center - CoStar
• The Best Breweries to Watch in 2026 | The Ledger - BrewLedger
• Funkytown Brewery, one of nation's few Black-owned craft breweries, gets big grant from City of Chicago - CBS News