I visited Goose Island Beer Co.’s soon-to-open Salt Shed Pub (1357 N. Elston) on what turned out to be a perfect night for having a 312 on the river.

Let’s get this out of the way: Goose has found the perfect location and built the perfect brewpub.
Located behind Salt Shed and along the Chicago River, Salt Shed Pub is now the go-to for before/after concert drinks and light bites, as well as day drinking in full view of the Chicago skyline.

Goose Island President Todd Ahsmann jumped in the car to talk about the new location and Goose Island’s long history in Chicago as we ate one of the best smashburgers I’ve ever had (credit to Executive Chef Henry Pariser). Note: The smashburgers are on the Salt Shed Pub menu. Do yourself a favor…

Goose Island Brewing’s Salt Shed Pub officially opens May 3, 2024.

Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry’s most important and celebrated creators.

##

I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!
Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

##

You and I both love music. It’s the soundtrack to where we live.

Imagine music playing in any room you want… or every room.

Having your favorite streaming sources available anywhere in your home.

Easy Automation makes it all easy… integrating into your smart home system.

How easy? Dan will tell you. Give him a call at 630-730-3728.

Or get more information at easy-automation.net

TRANSCRIPT

00:00:00.260 –> 00:00:08.660
This right here is Car Con Carne, a Q101 podcast, and Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art.

00:00:08.900 –> 00:00:13.920
For those who have never picked up a comic book or graphic novel, prepare to have your mind blown.

00:00:13.940 –> 00:00:17.040
Alex Ross has transformed the entire industry.

00:00:17.180 –> 00:00:20.720
He has transformed the business of creating comics and graphic novels.

00:00:21.060 –> 00:00:23.820
His website is alexrossart.com.

00:00:23.840 –> 00:00:29.200
You can go there, see what I’m talking about, but you can also buy original artwork from Alex’s website.

00:00:29.540 –> 00:00:34.980
Or if you want to hear the words of Alex Ross spoken by him, visit his YouTube page.

00:00:35.000 –> 00:00:39.740
He keeps that updated regularly, and that’s at the Alex Ross on YouTube.

00:00:39.960 –> 00:00:44.760
Now, if you’re watching on Facebook or YouTube, here’s a little bit more about Alex Ross.

00:00:47.840 –> 00:00:49.640
It’s Car Con Carne.

00:01:16.021 –> 00:01:18.601
So as I’m recording this, it’s almost time.

00:01:18.781 –> 00:01:22.901
May 19th is the Fight for Air Climb happening at Soldier Field.

00:01:22.921 –> 00:01:25.001
I’m doing this with the American Lung Association.

00:01:25.401 –> 00:01:33.161
We’re gonna take on the stairs of Soldier Field, just like we took on the stairs of the Oakbrook Terrace Tower in Oakbrook back in March.

00:01:33.181 –> 00:01:38.241
And the whole purpose is to raise awareness and raise money to fight lung disease.

00:01:38.621 –> 00:01:39.901
I would love for you to participate.

00:01:40.281 –> 00:01:43.401
More specifically, I would love for you to be part of my team.

00:01:43.521 –> 00:01:44.601
How do you join my team?

00:01:44.701 –> 00:01:45.381
Fair question.

00:01:45.801 –> 00:01:49.641
Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago.

00:01:50.261 –> 00:01:58.121
Once you’re there, fightforairclimb.org/chicago, go to register as a team, and then search Car Con Carne.

00:01:58.301 –> 00:02:02.021
Now you can do that to be part of my team, or you could start your own team.

00:02:02.621 –> 00:02:03.581
Don’t need to hang out with me.

00:02:03.961 –> 00:02:04.741
Bring your people.

00:02:05.021 –> 00:02:06.461
Start your own team, go solo.

00:02:06.721 –> 00:02:08.121
We just want you to participate.

00:02:08.241 –> 00:02:09.301
The weather has turned.

00:02:09.321 –> 00:02:10.381
It’s gonna be gorgeous out.

00:02:10.741 –> 00:02:12.261
We have the stadium to ourselves.

00:02:12.281 –> 00:02:15.921
There’ll be no football, there’ll be no soccer, there’ll be no loud music.

00:02:16.481 –> 00:02:17.881
Just us and the stairs.

00:02:18.241 –> 00:02:21.541
Fight for airclimb.org/chicago.

00:02:22.221 –> 00:02:24.561
So you and I both love music.

00:02:24.661 –> 00:02:26.241
It’s the soundtrack to what we do.

00:02:26.261 –> 00:02:28.321
It’s the soundtrack to where we live.

00:02:28.841 –> 00:02:32.961
Imagine music playing in any room you want or every room.

00:02:33.181 –> 00:02:37.341
Having your favorite streaming sources available anywhere in your home.

00:02:38.001 –> 00:02:40.701
Easy Automation makes it all easy.

00:02:41.121 –> 00:02:42.921
Integrating into your smart home system.

00:02:43.461 –> 00:02:44.081
How easy?

00:02:44.221 –> 00:02:45.501
Well, my guy Dan will tell you.

00:02:45.521 –> 00:02:46.621
You gotta call my guy Dan.

00:02:46.721 –> 00:02:47.001
Ready?

00:02:47.021 –> 00:02:48.281
This is his personal phone number.

00:02:48.301 –> 00:02:51.181
He said, give people my number, have them call me directly.

00:02:51.581 –> 00:02:56.021
Dan is at 630-730-3728.

00:02:56.461 –> 00:02:59.081
Call Dan, get set up with Easy Automation.

00:02:59.101 –> 00:03:01.421
Turn your home into a smart home.

00:03:02.381 –> 00:03:08.261
easyautomation.net or call Dan 630-730-3728.

00:03:08.661 –> 00:03:09.981
Is it weird that I’m wearing a blazer?

00:03:10.001 –> 00:03:12.781
I thought since you have a president in your title that I should…

00:03:15.321 –> 00:03:16.661
President of a craft brewery.

00:03:16.681 –> 00:03:17.641
I’m wearing flannel.

00:03:17.661 –> 00:03:18.741
What are you talking about?

00:03:19.041 –> 00:03:20.081
All right, let’s begin.

00:03:20.601 –> 00:03:21.781
Welcome to Car Con Carne.

00:03:21.801 –> 00:03:22.201
I’m James VanOsdol.

00:03:22.741 –> 00:03:30.641
I am outside the brand new Salt Shed Pub, Goose Island Salt Shed Pub on Blackhawk, adjacent to the Salt Shed.

00:03:30.841 –> 00:03:34.601
And to my right, if you’re watching this on Facebook or YouTube, that is Todd Ahsmann.

00:03:34.621 –> 00:03:36.801
He is the president of Goose Island Brewing.

00:03:37.161 –> 00:03:40.741
We are here at the soft, it’s not even a soft opening.

00:03:40.861 –> 00:03:43.341
It’s a preview night really that we’re doing at Goose Island.

00:03:43.841 –> 00:03:47.061
Yeah, this is, we have media types like you.

00:03:47.081 –> 00:03:49.321
You’re a very famous media person, James.

00:03:49.341 –> 00:03:51.141
Good to be here, good to see you.

00:03:51.161 –> 00:03:52.241
It’s been a long time.

00:03:52.261 –> 00:03:52.781
It has been.

00:03:53.041 –> 00:03:56.541
And we were just saying before we started recording, we’ve probably known each other for 30 years.

00:03:56.861 –> 00:03:57.761
Yeah, a long time.

00:03:59.901 –> 00:04:02.361
Yeah, and here we are, sitting in a car 30 years later.

00:04:03.301 –> 00:04:05.181
Back in the day, I would see you at radio stations.

00:04:05.201 –> 00:04:06.521
Now I do radio out of my car.

00:04:06.541 –> 00:04:10.361
Yeah, we’re still gonna be talking about the same things, beer and music.

00:04:10.421 –> 00:04:11.901
Yeah, what else is there?

00:04:12.581 –> 00:04:13.441
That’s it, we’re good.

00:04:14.061 –> 00:04:17.741
I consider ourselves very lucky to be doing this 30 years later.

00:04:17.961 –> 00:04:18.481
How about it?

00:04:18.501 –> 00:04:22.001
All right, so I wanna talk to you about Salt Shed Pub.

00:04:22.021 –> 00:04:23.221
I wanna talk to you about Goose Island.

00:04:24.181 –> 00:04:31.421
I’m not blind to the fact that we have Smash Burgers sitting here, and it seems, it just seems wrong to let them sit there, get cool.

00:04:31.441 –> 00:04:35.641
I mean, they literally just came out of the kitchen as we walked in here, so maybe we should start there.

00:04:36.081 –> 00:04:39.701
Yeah, let’s open it up and eat away.

00:04:40.221 –> 00:04:41.441
So this is part of the menu.

00:04:41.461 –> 00:04:48.561
So the Salt Shed Pub on Blackhawk, right next to Salt Shed, just east of Elston.

00:04:48.961 –> 00:04:51.241
Oh my, I wasn’t expecting this.

00:04:51.861 –> 00:04:53.061
I was not expecting this.

00:04:54.141 –> 00:04:59.841
The pub menu includes this, this, this is gigantic.

00:05:00.841 –> 00:05:01.901
Are you kidding me?

00:05:01.921 –> 00:05:04.821
I am gonna mess up your car here, James.

00:05:04.841 –> 00:05:07.001
You won’t be the first, you won’t be the last.

00:05:07.501 –> 00:05:09.141
This is extraordinary.

00:05:10.181 –> 00:05:11.021
So, Chef Henry?

00:05:11.781 –> 00:05:15.921
So yeah, Chef Henry, getting ready.

00:05:15.941 –> 00:05:18.901
It’s very kind that before we have everybody showing up.

00:05:18.921 –> 00:05:25.761
So like you said up front, we’re having media over to sort of get an early preview.

00:05:25.781 –> 00:05:30.861
And then we have friends and family partners of us come in for the rest of the night.

00:05:30.881 –> 00:05:33.841
You’re invited to do that as well.

00:05:33.961 –> 00:05:40.821
Seven o’clock starting, but yeah, Chef Henry, he’s been with us since 2018.

00:05:40.841 –> 00:05:44.641
This was a staple of the pub that he brought with him.

00:05:45.281 –> 00:05:46.401
Changed it a little bit.

00:05:46.721 –> 00:05:47.921
You already started eating.

00:05:48.181 –> 00:05:49.381
Yeah, he took a bite.

00:05:49.401 –> 00:05:50.121
It’s right in front of me.

00:05:51.081 –> 00:05:52.101
But he made some changes.

00:05:52.121 –> 00:06:03.021
This was already a fan favorite at the pub, but now he’s got some pork belly fat in there that’s adding that Christmas, Christmas, Christmas.

00:06:03.181 –> 00:06:04.081
Merry Christmas.

00:06:04.521 –> 00:06:06.641
So it’s a four ounce, four ounce Smash Burger.

00:06:07.821 –> 00:06:10.161
It’s a proprietary blend to Goose Island.

00:06:10.841 –> 00:06:15.941
The meat is ground basically same day before it makes it over here.

00:06:15.961 –> 00:06:17.801
Yep, south side, south side of Chicago.

00:06:17.821 –> 00:06:18.481
On the south side.

00:06:19.281 –> 00:06:26.161
And yeah, he did say because of the fact that it’s belly, it’s a more fatty, which means more delicious burger.

00:06:26.181 –> 00:06:32.061
And this is like, this is, if there’s a textbook on creating smash burgers, this is the illustration on the page.

00:06:32.081 –> 00:06:33.241
This is what it should look like.

00:06:34.081 –> 00:06:39.921
And oh my God, I’ve only had one bite Todd Ahsmann, president of Goose Island, and it is ridiculously good.

00:06:40.881 –> 00:06:42.261
Well, thank you for saying that.

00:06:43.721 –> 00:06:45.361
I’ll pass that along to Chef Henry.

00:06:45.721 –> 00:06:46.921
I love a good smash burger.

00:06:47.081 –> 00:06:50.281
Yep, and I think even better with a Honker’s Ale.

00:06:50.301 –> 00:06:51.061
Of course.

00:06:51.081 –> 00:06:58.261
Our English beer, the first beer we ever made at the pub when we opened in 1988, 36 years ago.

00:06:58.461 –> 00:07:00.521
It’s something I didn’t realize, and it makes sense.

00:07:01.121 –> 00:07:04.881
You were there at the beginning of Goose Island as a bartender.

00:07:05.701 –> 00:07:07.281
I mean, you were a Goose Island lifer.

00:07:08.261 –> 00:07:08.841
Correct.

00:07:08.961 –> 00:07:12.261
I took my college education and turned it into bartending.

00:07:13.161 –> 00:07:14.941
Yeah, that was 1988.

00:07:14.961 –> 00:07:29.901
That was the year I graduated college, and instead of continuing my education because I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I went to my best friend’s dad’s crazy new concept of a brew pub in Chicago.

00:07:30.721 –> 00:07:32.101
Which, and I remember those days.

00:07:32.121 –> 00:07:32.941
I was very young.

00:07:32.961 –> 00:07:33.641
I was much younger.

00:07:34.741 –> 00:07:36.661
Goose Island was an anomaly.

00:07:36.681 –> 00:07:40.041
I mean, we live in a world where there are craft breweries in every neighborhood.

00:07:40.781 –> 00:07:45.901
The notion of a craft brewery was really foreign to this area back then.

00:07:45.921 –> 00:07:50.361
I mean, it’s hard to imagine in the present day, but Goose Island was an outlier.

00:07:51.361 –> 00:08:04.921
Yeah, you know, Chicago had such a great history of brewing, and I’ll talk about it in a bit if you want, about Goose Island was actually created for beer, the actual island.

00:08:05.741 –> 00:08:12.081
But when we opened, post-prohibition, it wasn’t as vibrant as before, pre-prohibition.

00:08:12.641 –> 00:08:16.161
So there was a time in the 70s and 80s that Chicago had no breweries.

00:08:16.361 –> 00:08:16.661
Right.

00:08:17.421 –> 00:08:27.001
So when Goose Island opened, it really was the beginning of this new era of beer in Chicago and now Chicago has more craft breweries than any city in America.

00:08:27.501 –> 00:08:28.161
Is that right?

00:08:28.181 –> 00:08:29.581
It doesn’t surprise me in the least.

00:08:30.301 –> 00:08:30.641
Yeah.

00:08:30.701 –> 00:08:38.241
You’ll hear per capita, there’s places in the Pacific Northwest, which actually started before, you know, we started in 1988.

00:08:38.261 –> 00:08:45.321
But yeah, Chicago now 200 strong, 200 plus strong, more than any other city.

00:08:47.181 –> 00:08:52.841
Thinking about this location and I got a chance to look around at the new location before we jumped in the car.

00:08:54.021 –> 00:08:55.121
It’s a perfect location.

00:08:55.141 –> 00:09:03.041
I think this area that we’re in right now by Salt Shed is months, maybe a year away from being completely transformed.

00:09:03.301 –> 00:09:05.721
And this is the new area.

00:09:06.661 –> 00:09:11.981
Not unlike when Goose Island started at 1800 Clybourne, that was not a well-trafficked area.

00:09:12.261 –> 00:09:16.801
When you go to Northern Clybourne now, all the retail stores are there, all the activity.

00:09:16.821 –> 00:09:18.761
There’s an Apple Store, there’s so much in that area.

00:09:19.221 –> 00:09:21.621
Back when Goose started there, Goose was a pioneer.

00:09:21.781 –> 00:09:23.841
I feel like you’re kind of a pioneer in this space too.

00:09:25.621 –> 00:09:28.681
Yeah, and I’ll give you a little context on that.

00:09:28.701 –> 00:09:30.361
Can you roll the window down first?

00:09:30.461 –> 00:09:30.761
Yeah.

00:09:31.661 –> 00:09:32.661
What’s up, Mike Siegel?

00:09:33.921 –> 00:09:39.001
Mike Siegel, Head of Innovation Brewing at Goose Island Beer Company.

00:09:39.061 –> 00:09:40.241
Hi, Mike Siegel, I’m James.

00:09:41.261 –> 00:09:41.781
Nice to meet you.

00:09:41.801 –> 00:09:45.061
We’re in the middle of doing a What’s Not Going To Be Edited podcast.

00:09:45.161 –> 00:09:45.481
Wow.

00:09:45.641 –> 00:09:47.901
Yeah, so we’re eating smash burgers and talking about Goose Island.

00:09:48.921 –> 00:09:50.241
Yeah, I’ll leave you guys to it.

00:09:50.261 –> 00:09:50.981
All right, we’ll see you.

00:09:52.561 –> 00:09:53.001
See you in a bit.

00:09:53.621 –> 00:09:58.061
That’s what James, as soon as you told me this is not edited, you’re in trouble.

00:09:59.021 –> 00:10:00.561
He was taken away from our burger time.

00:10:01.161 –> 00:10:03.441
Nice guy, but I mean, I got a smash burger in front of me.

00:10:03.861 –> 00:10:06.401
So back to 1988 when John Haller found our open Goose Island.

00:10:06.421 –> 00:10:08.461
Wait, we’re still at 1988, we’re gonna be here a while.

00:10:10.481 –> 00:10:13.281
There wasn’t a lot going on in here in the Ranch Triangle.

00:10:14.481 –> 00:10:17.701
Technically, Lincoln Park, 1800 North Clybourne.

00:10:18.601 –> 00:10:22.041
There literally was a dump across the street when we opened.

00:10:22.741 –> 00:10:24.861
A steaming pile of garbage.

00:10:25.961 –> 00:10:27.881
By the time we opened, actually, that was gone.

00:10:28.621 –> 00:10:31.441
But people thought we were crazy for opening in that neighborhood.

00:10:31.461 –> 00:10:33.541
There was not a lot around.

00:10:33.561 –> 00:10:37.081
The closest real population was Cabrini Green.

00:10:37.241 –> 00:10:37.541
Right.

00:10:38.121 –> 00:10:43.121
And I’m sure the thinking back then was, one, cash, cheaper to start up there.

00:10:43.481 –> 00:10:44.441
Also, opportunity.

00:10:45.041 –> 00:10:48.641
Like, being first has its rewards, if you play it right.

00:10:49.061 –> 00:10:51.741
Yeah, it was, the price was right.

00:10:52.381 –> 00:10:56.961
And the neighborhood was ripe for expansion.

00:10:57.601 –> 00:11:04.321
You know, we did the same thing in 95, when we opened our brewery over by the United Center.

00:11:04.821 –> 00:11:06.501
Again, nothing was over there.

00:11:07.181 –> 00:11:10.201
And now, in retrospect, everyone says John was a pioneer.

00:11:10.201 –> 00:11:12.461
You know, now it’s the whole West Fulton market.

00:11:14.261 –> 00:11:17.881
But really, he’ll tell you, it was just cheap property, right?

00:11:17.901 –> 00:11:20.721
We didn’t plan on having people visit the brewery back then.

00:11:20.741 –> 00:11:23.901
People didn’t open tap rooms at the brewery back then.

00:11:23.921 –> 00:11:26.041
We had a pub, that’s where you went for the beer.

00:11:26.861 –> 00:11:31.801
But the brewery was just where we produced beer outside of the pub.

00:11:32.201 –> 00:11:38.141
So yeah, 1988, and looking back, a pioneer for that neighborhood.

00:11:38.261 –> 00:11:45.941
And now, as you asked, coming back, when we named ourselves Goose Island, there is the Goose Island.

00:11:46.441 –> 00:11:49.181
But nobody in Chicago really knew what Goose Island was.

00:11:49.881 –> 00:11:53.681
But now we’re right across the river from Goose Island here.

00:11:54.101 –> 00:11:57.821
This neighborhood that we’re in is officially the Goose Island neighborhood.

00:11:57.961 –> 00:12:00.761
And they’re true to form, true to advertising.

00:12:00.881 –> 00:12:02.201
There are geese everywhere right now.

00:12:02.701 –> 00:12:05.421
There are actual geese.

00:12:07.501 –> 00:12:09.141
You want the quick Goose Island story?

00:12:09.161 –> 00:12:10.201
Give me the quick Goose Island story.

00:12:10.421 –> 00:12:10.781
You’re here.

00:12:11.281 –> 00:12:15.681
So first mayor of Chicago, William Ogden, was in the beer business.

00:12:16.261 –> 00:12:19.901
And back then, the Chicago River was very busy, right?

00:12:19.921 –> 00:12:22.181
You could get to the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico.

00:12:22.201 –> 00:12:25.401
That’s part of why Chicago became such a vibrant city.

00:12:26.581 –> 00:12:27.741
Easy transportation.

00:12:27.761 –> 00:12:30.981
I had no idea we were going to get this level of detail from you.

00:12:31.001 –> 00:12:31.741
This is amazing.

00:12:32.421 –> 00:12:33.581
Our house is a mess.

00:12:33.601 –> 00:12:34.321
Come on in.

00:12:34.721 –> 00:12:41.161
I’m Amber Wallen, internet comedian and host of your new favorite podcast, Fly on the Wallen.

00:12:41.181 –> 00:12:45.421
Okay, that’s pretty presumptuous to assume that this is going to be their favorite podcast, by the way.

00:12:45.441 –> 00:12:49.221
Anyway, that wasp that you just heard interrupt me is my husband.

00:12:49.361 –> 00:12:51.481
And co-host, Benjamin Wallen.

00:12:51.501 –> 00:12:56.421
Listen in as we discuss relationships and keeping our sweet baby kid alive.

00:12:56.741 –> 00:12:58.941
Fly on the Wallen, wherever you listen.

00:13:03.261 –> 00:13:10.201
So William Ogden, in the beer business, there was too much traffic on the brewery, or on the river, Chicago River.

00:13:11.021 –> 00:13:15.141
And the ships delivering grain would get caught up in this traffic.

00:13:15.401 –> 00:13:16.901
They needed somewhere to turn around.

00:13:17.561 –> 00:13:28.801
So he had a trench built out, so there was an offshoot in the Chicago River, created Goose Island, where boats could turn around on the river and alleviate some of the traffic.

00:13:30.001 –> 00:13:36.841
But then, geese settled on the island, and it just became nicknamed Goose Island.

00:13:37.341 –> 00:13:46.241
And all these, you know, 100-some years later, there’s still geese on Goose Island, and still geese hanging around our new pub.

00:13:46.901 –> 00:13:53.141
I’m fascinated by what you’re saying, but I also want to be clear that as you’re talking, I’m thinking about how good this burger is.

00:13:54.421 –> 00:14:02.681
It’s like the right amount of salt and sweet, the texture of the smash burger has just the right amount of crunch to it with the crusting.

00:14:03.121 –> 00:14:04.021
This is delicious.

00:14:04.041 –> 00:14:09.841
And of course, the bun, this like brioche type bun is fabulous.

00:14:10.661 –> 00:14:12.701
So we’re making making all our bread here.

00:14:13.121 –> 00:14:13.841
Are you serious?

00:14:13.861 –> 00:14:18.421
Yeah, and we’re using using some of the grain from the beer making.

00:14:19.901 –> 00:14:23.901
Wow, I mean, making your own bread is, it’s a lot of work.

00:14:24.281 –> 00:14:32.541
I know it’s very ambitious, but it’s part of Chef Henry being sustainable and local.

00:14:33.261 –> 00:14:37.121
Some really cool things you can do when you have someone making beer right next to you.

00:14:37.581 –> 00:14:38.441
That makes perfect sense.

00:14:38.961 –> 00:14:41.341
But yeah, that for the volume you guys are going to do, that’s a lot.

00:14:42.521 –> 00:14:44.661
Yeah, we’ll see if we can keep up.

00:14:45.161 –> 00:14:47.081
But you’re right to pick out that crunchness.

00:14:47.101 –> 00:14:52.021
That’s something that has changed from the previous menu.

00:14:52.201 –> 00:15:00.221
You heard him say it, the pork belly fat that he had added to the meat is what is adding that crispness, that crunch.

00:15:01.081 –> 00:15:09.401
So what else, I don’t mean to ask as you’re putting a burger in your mouth, but what else will be on the menu here for people who are listening or watching?

00:15:09.421 –> 00:15:13.661
What can they expect when they come by before a show or just to come by?

00:15:14.701 –> 00:15:21.421
Yeah, so back, well, you can get cheese curds and pretzels and we have the Quick Bites.

00:15:22.681 –> 00:15:26.821
So we’ve all, you know, gone somewhere and then it’s like, got the show in 20 minutes, what can I get quickly?

00:15:28.581 –> 00:15:32.001
Smash Burger, we have this amazing fried chicken sandwich.

00:15:33.621 –> 00:15:39.001
Something I’m really excited about that’s new is a smoked trout sandwich.

00:15:39.021 –> 00:15:46.141
So instead of traditional tuna fish, tuna sandwich, we’re using Great Lakes caught trout.

00:15:46.921 –> 00:15:49.221
And he just did such a great job with it.

00:15:49.881 –> 00:15:52.041
In concept, I was like, really a trout sandwich?

00:15:52.061 –> 00:15:52.921
You don’t really see that.

00:15:53.601 –> 00:16:01.141
But then when he actually made it and talked about how he’s sourcing it and everything, I thought it was such a cool story and it turned out delicious.

00:16:01.161 –> 00:16:03.141
Smoked fish is delicious, period.

00:16:03.301 –> 00:16:04.301
That sounds perfect.

00:16:04.681 –> 00:16:05.001
Yeah.

00:16:05.721 –> 00:16:08.481
So we have salads and sandwiches.

00:16:10.961 –> 00:16:17.521
It’s a whimsical, non-pretentious, approachable menu.

00:16:17.541 –> 00:16:24.161
It’s such a cliché to say elevated pub food or gastropub.

00:16:24.201 –> 00:16:26.401
And yet this is elevated.

00:16:26.421 –> 00:16:29.681
I said approachable and non-pretentious.

00:16:29.701 –> 00:16:30.821
That’s what I’m going to go with.

00:16:31.321 –> 00:16:32.781
And Todd, I buried the lead.

00:16:34.641 –> 00:16:36.001
When are you open for business?

00:16:37.261 –> 00:16:40.141
So grand opening is this Friday, May 3rd.

00:16:41.521 –> 00:16:45.461
Sort of a soft opening on Wednesday and Thursday.

00:16:45.541 –> 00:16:48.541
But we’re calling it the grand opening this Friday.

00:16:48.561 –> 00:16:50.041
So as we sit here, it’s Monday.

00:16:50.641 –> 00:16:53.541
I can’t believe I actually have you sitting here as this is going on around you.

00:16:53.561 –> 00:16:55.001
I mean, how are you feeling?

00:16:55.841 –> 00:16:56.741
An opening is a big deal.

00:17:00.061 –> 00:17:03.981
Yeah, sure, I’ve got butterflies, but the team we have is amazing.

00:17:04.741 –> 00:17:11.421
And don’t forget, we have a full marketing team at Goose Island that is helping with this.

00:17:12.341 –> 00:17:13.981
We have a hospitality team.

00:17:14.001 –> 00:17:17.501
We brought over some veterans from our previous place.

00:17:17.681 –> 00:17:21.261
So I have full confidence in the team.

00:17:21.501 –> 00:17:26.001
And where we’re at, the Salt Shed, I also have confidence in their team.

00:17:26.041 –> 00:17:30.461
So, Goose Island has been involved in music for a very long time.

00:17:31.101 –> 00:17:35.101
And the first bar to ever carry 312 was the empty bottle.

00:17:35.741 –> 00:17:48.661
So we’ve had a long time relationship with the owner of the empty bottle, Bruce Finkelman, who you probably also know from Longman and Eagle and Thalia Hall and many, many other places open the Salt Shed here.

00:17:48.681 –> 00:17:56.741
So a lot of times when you open a restaurant or a bar, bar awareness is a big, big part of it.

00:17:58.081 –> 00:18:06.261
We’re gonna have a million people this year walking by our place, going to see shows at this amazing new music venue in Chicago.

00:18:06.281 –> 00:18:11.521
Yeah, I would say you’re just well positioned in the community, but you’re also well positioned geographically.

00:18:11.881 –> 00:18:13.641
Like it’s a no brainer.

00:18:13.881 –> 00:18:17.001
You talked about music, you mentioned the bottle and Salt Shed, et cetera.

00:18:18.721 –> 00:18:32.541
I feel like Goose Island’s presence in Chicago music has somehow only increased since the AB purchase ten years ago, which I think critics would have expected to be the opposite.

00:18:34.501 –> 00:18:38.101
Yeah, we’ve always been heavily involved in music.

00:18:38.121 –> 00:18:46.001
We were doing a street party outside Goose Island Fest, outside the pub, before that was really a thing.

00:18:46.041 –> 00:18:48.041
Now, you know, they’re every weekend in Chicago.

00:18:48.061 –> 00:19:01.041
But back then we had Guided by Voices, Sonic Youth, Lo-Slo-Bos, every year just such a cool lineup, Bob Mold, Soul Asylum.

00:19:02.041 –> 00:19:06.381
And it was unusual to get those kind of bands playing festivals back then.

00:19:07.321 –> 00:19:14.981
So we’ve always had it, I told you earlier, we sponsored Pitchfork before it was even called the Pitchfork Music Fest when it was the Intonation Festival.

00:19:18.941 –> 00:19:22.741
But, you know, I don’t know if Anheuser-Busch has anything to do with it.

00:19:23.741 –> 00:19:29.501
Part of it is just me bringing my music world experience to it.

00:19:29.841 –> 00:19:35.561
For sure, I think the expectation would be, okay, the macro beer bought out the micro beer, they’re going to lose their identity.

00:19:35.581 –> 00:19:37.121
And I guess my point is, you didn’t.

00:19:38.181 –> 00:19:44.481
Yeah, Anheuser-Busch had no intention of buying us and then changing our identity or our culture.

00:19:44.501 –> 00:19:48.481
They could have just created a shock top if they wanted to do that.

00:19:50.601 –> 00:19:55.621
So yeah, they bought us for our authenticity and our culture and music was part of our culture.

00:19:55.641 –> 00:20:05.641
So it allowed us to have national distribution, which still blows my mind, thinking not only are we national but we’re global now.

00:20:05.641 –> 00:20:24.421
So I think maybe a little more awareness on Goose Island made these bands that we’ve done collaborations with, like Run the Jewels and Sharon Van Etten and Mumford and Sons more open to working with us and doing some cool things.

00:20:26.021 –> 00:20:29.361
You are first and foremost a beer fan.

00:20:30.841 –> 00:20:32.821
You’re the president of Goose Island.

00:20:33.381 –> 00:20:34.061
What’s the cliché?

00:20:34.081 –> 00:20:35.921
You’re not only a fan, you’re a member, whatever it is.

00:20:37.281 –> 00:20:38.441
You’re a beer enthusiast.

00:20:39.221 –> 00:20:41.441
Let’s talk a little bit about the beers.

00:20:42.221 –> 00:20:42.721
At Goose Island.

00:20:43.661 –> 00:20:46.581
Will there be rotating beers here?

00:20:46.601 –> 00:20:47.521
I mean, there will be…

00:20:48.461 –> 00:20:49.741
Like, Honkers will be here no matter what.

00:20:50.441 –> 00:20:54.701
Honkers is the very first beer we ever made when we opened in 1988.

00:20:55.021 –> 00:20:58.001
And it will still always be on draft here.

00:20:58.481 –> 00:21:01.021
But we have a 15-barrel system.

00:21:01.881 –> 00:21:05.021
Two brewers, Mike and Luis, do an amazing job.

00:21:05.981 –> 00:21:12.201
Probably in the next calendar year, Michael put out about 50 unique beers just to this space.

00:21:13.961 –> 00:21:14.981
And, you know, his…

00:21:15.341 –> 00:21:16.361
That sounds ambitious.

00:21:17.981 –> 00:21:19.801
No, he can do it.

00:21:19.821 –> 00:21:20.921
That’s no problem.

00:21:20.941 –> 00:21:26.561
50 unique beers while still brewing Honkers ale and some of the ones that people expect to get.

00:21:28.301 –> 00:21:33.261
But yeah, we opened making traditional English-style ales.

00:21:33.281 –> 00:21:34.881
That was what our inspiration was.

00:21:35.961 –> 00:21:41.321
I think now people think of craft beer, and I always try to avoid that term.

00:21:41.341 –> 00:21:47.961
I just call it beer, as some of these crazy hazy beers and different odd beers.

00:21:47.981 –> 00:21:52.721
But for me, we were always bringing back traditional styles.

00:21:52.741 –> 00:21:57.981
We opened with an English Mile, an English Bitter, a Porter, a Stout, a Mild Ale.

00:21:58.581 –> 00:22:01.401
These are all beer styles that have been around for hundreds of years.

00:22:01.681 –> 00:22:09.161
Named one of the best personal finance podcasts, the Stacking Benjamin Show with Joe and his friends makes financial literacy fun.

00:22:09.181 –> 00:22:10.581
Work hard and save your money.

00:22:10.601 –> 00:22:14.601
That way when you’re old like me, you can buy the things that only young people can enjoy.

00:22:14.761 –> 00:22:15.561
Squirrel watching.

00:22:15.581 –> 00:22:16.681
You heard it here first.

00:22:16.701 –> 00:22:22.441
Get yourself a squirrel cam, spend $30 a month on nuts, and you’ll be at early retirement before you know it.

00:22:22.461 –> 00:22:24.561
No, Piggy, this is the road to a podcast nobody listens to.

00:22:26.961 –> 00:22:31.361
Find out more by searching the Stacking Benjamin’s podcast wherever you listen.

00:22:33.001 –> 00:22:45.341
So Mike and Luis are still keeping that in mind, our traditional English style ales and these traditional styles, while also not afraid to make a hazy or play into the new styles of beer that are out there.

00:22:47.181 –> 00:22:53.701
Yeah, so we’ll have a wide range of beers, just like we always have.

00:22:54.561 –> 00:23:00.101
And as we’re heading toward summer, we’re recording this really at the beginning of May, we are officially in 312 season.

00:23:01.121 –> 00:23:04.801
That’s your classic crushable summertime beer.

00:23:05.901 –> 00:23:13.461
Yeah, that was pretty, I’d say, pretty different at the time.

00:23:14.021 –> 00:23:23.881
When we came out with 312, and that was 2005, if you remember back then, that’s when everybody was trying to outbidder each other.

00:23:26.141 –> 00:23:30.721
It was the triple IPAs, how many IBUs could you get into your beer?

00:23:31.241 –> 00:23:35.081
And we came out with a very accessible, drinkable beer.

00:23:35.501 –> 00:23:49.681
Went on to win four medals at the Great American Beer Fest, but even using the term urban wheat ale, urban was a little controversial at the time.

00:23:49.701 –> 00:24:01.761
Coming from radio, that had a very specific connotation to it, on who it appealed to or not, and 312 just for us represented all that Chicago had to represent.

00:24:02.001 –> 00:24:05.001
What a great city this was, urban aspirations.

00:24:06.281 –> 00:24:09.761
And all these years later, it’s still our top seller in Chicago.

00:24:10.321 –> 00:24:12.441
And nothing says Chicago like 312.

00:24:12.561 –> 00:24:16.881
That’s one of those, especially for people who don’t live in Chicago, if you know, you know.

00:24:17.501 –> 00:24:18.921
Like, if you’re from St.

00:24:18.941 –> 00:24:23.581
Louis, you probably don’t know that 312 is the area code that encompassed all of Chicago at one point.

00:24:23.601 –> 00:24:26.561
Well, especially these days with cell phones and everything.

00:24:26.581 –> 00:24:29.661
But we know when we have tourists in town, they order 312.

00:24:29.941 –> 00:24:30.921
Yeah, okay.

00:24:31.581 –> 00:24:33.481
As long as they’re ordering it, I’m fine.

00:24:33.481 –> 00:24:35.521
I kind of got over correcting people.

00:24:36.461 –> 00:24:43.981
But even, you know, our old telephone handle, our tap handle, I think younger people now are like, what is that thing?

00:24:44.661 –> 00:24:47.881
Right, they don’t even know what an old tap handle looks like, that looks like a phone.

00:24:48.801 –> 00:24:54.261
So, Bourbon County Stout, that was the very first bourbon barrel aged beer period?

00:24:55.341 –> 00:24:57.081
Yeah, we pioneered that.

00:24:57.101 –> 00:24:57.721
Greg Hall.

00:24:58.961 –> 00:25:08.661
You know, beer is traditionally, before stainless steel, was served in oak barrels and fermented in things like fooders and wood.

00:25:09.601 –> 00:25:15.881
But, nobody had thought of using a bourbon barrel, putting in a beer, expecting to get something different out.

00:25:16.801 –> 00:25:19.761
So, 1992, first to do it.

00:25:19.781 –> 00:25:20.481
Visionary.

00:25:20.901 –> 00:25:30.901
Yeah, it came from a, Greg Hall was at a beer bourbon and cigar dinner and sitting next to him was fifth generation master distiller of Jim Beam, Booker No.

00:25:32.281 –> 00:25:40.501
So, Greg, knowing about bourbon, knowing that in order for bourbon to be bourbon, it’s a single-use barrel, asked him what he does with his barrels after.

00:25:40.521 –> 00:25:45.961
And he said he sends most of them off to Scotch guys who can use it over and over.

00:25:45.981 –> 00:25:51.541
But he asked for some and sure enough, Booker sent us some barrels.

00:25:51.561 –> 00:25:54.001
Greg forgot about it until they showed up.

00:25:54.041 –> 00:26:00.701
But for our thousandth batch of beer, he just came up with this big Russian Imperial stout.

00:26:01.381 –> 00:26:06.501
Thought what will happen if I put it in a barrel, age it, and the rest is history.

00:26:06.701 –> 00:26:09.621
Innovation is an important part of this business.

00:26:10.481 –> 00:26:11.601
Oh yeah.

00:26:11.721 –> 00:26:17.301
It’s part of what’s so great about beer, I think, is it’s always evolving.

00:26:17.341 –> 00:26:20.141
You never know everything there is to know about beer.

00:26:21.001 –> 00:26:27.501
There’s new hops that are always being grown and innovated that you can work with, new aromas, new flavors.

00:26:27.521 –> 00:26:29.681
It’s just, it’s fun.

00:26:29.941 –> 00:26:34.761
You know, it’s a joy to make traditional styles of beer and really nail that.

00:26:35.281 –> 00:26:39.241
Never forget, you know, your history, but innovation is a lot of fun.

00:26:39.261 –> 00:26:42.341
Alright, the hardest question I’ll ask you all night, I don’t even know if it’s hard.

00:26:43.601 –> 00:26:57.281
I see, we see reports all the time that modern young generations, whether it’s, I think we’re at Z now or maybe even millennial too, the reports say that those generations are steering away from spirits and alcohol.

00:26:57.461 –> 00:26:58.241
Have you seen that?

00:26:58.261 –> 00:26:59.481
Is that an issue?

00:26:59.541 –> 00:27:00.661
Is this manufactured?

00:27:03.701 –> 00:27:07.741
You know, beer has been around since before, it was a commodity.

00:27:07.761 –> 00:27:12.441
I don’t think people are going to stop drinking beer, wine, spirits.

00:27:13.301 –> 00:27:19.521
We see dips, 1%, 2%, I always tell my team just don’t stress out about it.

00:27:19.541 –> 00:27:21.881
The second this isn’t fun, it’s not beer’s fault.

00:27:22.421 –> 00:27:28.081
But I think the main driver is socializing.

00:27:28.301 –> 00:27:31.221
So we are social beings.

00:27:32.001 –> 00:27:33.161
We can’t help ourselves.

00:27:33.181 –> 00:27:35.881
Live music post pandemic is thriving.

00:27:35.901 –> 00:27:41.421
And I think that just proves people like getting together with friends and in person.

00:27:42.361 –> 00:27:45.901
And part of that social occasion is drinking beer.

00:27:45.901 –> 00:27:47.881
So are people drinking less?

00:27:48.521 –> 00:27:49.841
I don’t know, there’s more people.

00:27:50.121 –> 00:27:51.441
So is more beer being drank?

00:27:51.481 –> 00:27:52.081
Probably.

00:27:52.621 –> 00:27:59.281
But I don’t think some dry January is going to kill off beer that’s been around forever.

00:27:59.781 –> 00:28:03.321
So I’m, of course, I’m very optimistic about it.

00:28:03.341 –> 00:28:08.341
But I’m not worried about those reports you see that the younger generation is drinking less.

00:28:08.861 –> 00:28:10.441
And I think you bring up a good point.

00:28:10.561 –> 00:28:12.481
I think the world forgot how to be social.

00:28:13.301 –> 00:28:14.781
And they’re remembering it.

00:28:15.041 –> 00:28:17.381
Slowly but surely, they’re getting back into that groove.

00:28:17.401 –> 00:28:20.861
I mean, the earth was thrown off its axis for a couple of years.

00:28:21.561 –> 00:28:23.501
And we’re all just kind of back to normal now.

00:28:23.721 –> 00:28:28.921
Yeah, everybody’s starting to get bored with the really nice couch and TV they bought and realizing it’s more fun.

00:28:28.941 –> 00:28:31.401
Life is more fun when you’re sharing it with other people.

00:28:31.941 –> 00:28:38.021
So, all right, in conclusion, May 3rd is when Salt Shed Pub opens.

00:28:38.621 –> 00:28:47.101
Right behind Salt Shed, Black Hawk, east of Elston, you have a lovely riverfront patio that I think is going to be a destination for people this summer.

00:28:47.121 –> 00:28:48.161
Like, what a hangout.

00:28:48.381 –> 00:28:50.601
What a great, you know, fucking, I’m not going to work today.

00:28:50.621 –> 00:28:55.761
I’m going to day drink over there at Salt Shed Pub, because that’s the place to drink.

00:28:55.901 –> 00:28:57.961
I mean, that screams Chicago to me.

00:28:58.341 –> 00:29:02.201
I mean, right on the Chicago River, beautiful view of the skyline.

00:29:03.081 –> 00:29:07.561
We’re still not on Goose Island, but you could throw a beer can across the river and hit Goose Island.

00:29:07.581 –> 00:29:09.441
We don’t recommend that, but in theory you can.

00:29:10.221 –> 00:29:11.721
This place is extraordinary.

00:29:11.721 –> 00:29:14.201
It’s the right size.

00:29:14.221 –> 00:29:15.201
It’s got the right vibe.

00:29:15.741 –> 00:29:17.021
Obviously, it’s got the right beers.

00:29:17.281 –> 00:29:21.461
And as we know, it’s got the right menu because holy shit, that Smashburger was great.

00:29:22.021 –> 00:29:23.001
Thank you very much.

00:29:23.241 –> 00:29:25.961
James, are you going to come in after this and have a beer?

00:29:26.081 –> 00:29:26.501
Hell yeah.

00:29:26.601 –> 00:29:29.441
You can leave your car here overnight.

00:29:29.741 –> 00:29:30.741
Yeah, that’s the plan.

00:29:30.861 –> 00:29:33.421
I got one of the parking spaces in front.

00:29:33.721 –> 00:29:34.401
Get here early.

00:29:35.981 –> 00:29:39.381
Todd Ahsmann, President, Goose Island Brewing, thank you so much for doing this.

00:29:39.461 –> 00:29:40.021
And good luck.

00:29:40.041 –> 00:29:42.641
I mean, you don’t need luck, but congratulations on the opening.

00:29:42.901 –> 00:29:44.961
Thank you and really, really good to see you.

00:29:44.981 –> 00:29:49.961
And congratulations on your best podcast in Chicago, with the Chicago Reader.

00:29:49.981 –> 00:29:50.381
Best music podcast.

00:29:50.401 –> 00:29:51.501
I’ll qualify that.

00:29:52.061 –> 00:29:53.241
We did talk about music.

00:29:54.441 –> 00:29:55.541
Yeah, absolutely.

00:29:55.661 –> 00:29:59.821
And you have a certain amount of rock and roll swagger to you.

00:29:59.821 –> 00:30:01.841
You know I love my music.

00:30:01.881 –> 00:30:05.041
We could talk a full two hours about Chicago music.

00:30:05.601 –> 00:30:06.041
Next time.

00:30:07.241 –> 00:30:13.561
Mike Carruthers shares little pieces of intel in interviews you can use to improve your life on the Something You Should Know podcast.

00:30:13.741 –> 00:30:21.361
The next time you’re looking for a job and have to write a cover letter, here’s some advice from Skip Freeman, author of a book called Headhunters Hiring Secrets.

00:30:21.581 –> 00:30:24.221
Add a PS to the bottom of that cover letter.

00:30:24.381 –> 00:30:30.001
That can actually increase the chances of that letter being read by up to 75%.

00:30:30.161 –> 00:30:33.401
Some people actually glance down and read the PS first.

00:30:33.521 –> 00:30:34.501
Something you should know.

00:30:34.521 –> 00:30:36.501
Search on YouTube or wherever you listen.