Funkytown Brewery Receives $3.7 Million City Grant for New Near West Side Facility

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near West Side · January 8, 2026

Funkytown Brewery, a Black-owned craft beer company, is set to transform the Near West Side business landscape after receiving a $3.7 million grant to develop a $7.4 million craft beer brewery, distribution and retail facility at 1923-29 W. Lake Street. The grant was part of $33 million in funding announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday, supporting 58 neighborhood improvement projects selected from nearly 400 applicants.

The brewery, founded by childhood friends Rich Bloomfield, Zack Day, and Greg Williams, plans to convert the property into the company's first stand-alone facility for brewing, distributing, and selling beer. The expansion will include an outdoor beer garden and is projected to increase Funkytown's annual revenue from $500,000 to $5 million. The company aims to have the new space operational by later this year. According to Bloomfield, the project aims to make craft beer more accessible to underserved communities: "We want to make sure that we're accessible by public transit and by the underserved groups that don't have craft breweries in their neighborhoods. You got to be intentional if you want to reach people, and that's what we're going to do."

Near West Side residents and beer enthusiasts can look forward to this exciting addition to the neighborhood, which joins other revitalization projects selected for city funding. The award will support construction costs for the project, creating a new community gathering space in an area experiencing significant investment. Beyond serving as a venue for beer enthusiasts, the planned facility represents an investment in neighborhood vitality, promising to create employment opportunities while fostering an environment where diverse communities can connect over craft beverages. For updates on Funkytown Brewery's progress or to learn more about their products, visit funkytownbeer.com.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/06/black-owned-brewery-and-little-village-visitor-center-among-58-projects-getting-33-million-from-city/
2. https://www.costar.com/article/1686675896/brewery-planned-near-7-billion-development-around-chicagos-united-center
3. https://guapify.com/funkytown-brewery-looks-to-open-new-chicago-location/
4. https://rollingout.com/2025/02/16/bold-black-owned-brewery/