Black Lung Brewery Opening in Grayslake 2025

In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll chats with Josh and Rob from Black Lung Brewing Company about their exciting new location in Grayslake, taking over the former Light the Lamp spot. The trio discusses the brewery's plans, including a taproom, upscale bar food, and a vibrant community atmosphere with trivia nights and live music. They share personal stories, emphasizing their deep roots in Grayslake and commitment to the local community. The episode is a delightful blend of professional insights and hometown charm.

Discovering Grayslake: Black Lung Brewing Company’s New Venture

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Discovering Grayslake," where we dive deep into the heart of our community, uncovering the stories behind local businesses and the passionate individuals who drive them. In this episode, host David Woll sits down with Josh Grubbs and Rob Noone from Black Lung Brewing Company to discuss their thrilling new location in Grayslake. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers alike.

Table of Contents
Introduction to Black Lung Brewing Company
The New Location: A Fresh Start in Grayslake
Crafting a Unique Experience: Food and Drink Offerings
Community Engagement and Events
The Story Behind the Name: Black Lung
Future Plans and Community Involvement
Conclusion

Introduction to Black Lung Brewing Company
David Woll kicks off the episode by introducing Josh Grubbs and Rob Noone, the dynamic duo behind Black Lung Brewing Company. With deep roots in Grayslake, both Josh and Rob bring a wealth of experience and passion to the local craft beer scene. Josh has been brewing beer in Grayslake for about eight years, starting on North Allegheny Road, and Rob has been a resident of English Meadow for over 20 years.

The New Location: A Fresh Start in Grayslake
Black Lung Brewing Company is set to take over the former Light the Lamp establishment at 2 South Lake Street. This central location, at the beginning of Center Street, is poised to become a new hub for craft beer enthusiasts and community gatherings.

Key Points:
Location**: 2 South Lake Street, former Light the Lamp establishment.
Opening Timeline**: Aiming for an August launch.
Current Operations**: Existing locations in Round Lake Beach and Fox Lake.

Crafting a Unique Experience: Food and Drink Offerings
One of the standout features of Black Lung Brewing Company is their commitment to offering more than just beer. They hold a Class Three license, allowing them to operate as a brewpub with a full bar, including cocktails, wine, cider, and mead.

Food Offerings:
Upscale Bar Food**: Smash burgers, hot chicken sandwiches, Wisconsin cheese curds, and vegetarian options.
Head Chef**: Tanner, returning to the team after previously working at Light the Lamp.

Drink Offerings:
Signature Beers**: Including the uniquely named "No Talent Ass Clown," a beer rich in adjuncts like raspberry, chocolate, and sea salt.
Cocktail Menu**: Featuring eight original drinks, including a highly praised Old Fashioned.
Custom Drink Requests**: Willingness to accommodate custom drink requests, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Community Engagement and Events
Black Lung Brewing Company is not just about great beer and food; they are deeply committed to creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Planned Events:
Trivia Nights**: Regular trivia nights to engage the community.
Open Mic Events**: Encouraging local talent to showcase their skills.
Live Music**: Weekly live music performances to create a lively atmosphere.
Vinyl Listening Sessions**: Sundays dedicated to vinyl records, offering discounts on drinks for those who bring their own records.
Family-Friendly Approach**: Welcoming families earlier in the evening, with a shift to a more adult vibe once live music begins.
Karaoke Nights**: Testing out karaoke nights on a limited basis.

The Story Behind the Name: Black Lung
The name "Black Lung" is inspired by a song by Joe Bonamassa and reflects a personal family story about Josh's grandfather, who faced the dangers of coal mining. This narrative resonates with the brewery's ethos, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community connection.

Future Plans and Community Involvement
As they prepare for their new location, Black Lung Brewing Company is focused on involving the community in their journey.

Key Initiatives:
Kickstarter Campaign**: Launching a campaign to involve patrons in the brewery's development, offering unique rewards such as naming a beer or having a plaque displayed in the brewery.
Social Media Updates**: Keeping the community informed through their social media channels, including a new page for the Grayslake location.
Beer Garden**: Plans for a beer garden and additional outdoor elements to enhance the brewery experience.

Conclusion
This episode of "Discovering Grayslake" captures the excitement surrounding Black Lung Brewing Company's new location, the passion of its founders, and the vibrant community spirit of Grayslake. With a commitment to craft beer, community engagement, and rich storytelling, Black Lung Brewing Company is poised to become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

As they embark on this new chapter, Josh and Rob invite everyone to join them for a drink, participate in community events, and experience the unique atmosphere they are creating. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to visit their existing locations in Round Lake Beach and Fox Lake in the meantime.

For more in-depth information and to stay connected with the latest developments, follow Black Lung Brewing Company on their social media channels and keep an eye out for their Kickstarter campaign. Cheers to new beginnings and the vibrant future of Black Lung Brewing Company in Grayslake!