Almost a year- after purchasing, Lake Superior Brewing owners Seth and Sarah Maxim plan to open their new hotel-brewery hybrid in the Lakeside neighborhood this May.

After hearing about the original closing of the Lake Superior Brewing Company (later renamed to Lake Superior Brewing) in 2019, the couple decided to take up shop and embark on a new business adventure.

“It seemed a shame to let that brand go away, so we decided to snap it up and see if we could reinvent Lake Superior Brewing as our own,” Sarah Maxim said.

Traveling throughout Europe and staying in brew pubs influenced the Maxim’s decision to include lodging with Lake Superior Brewing. To supplement their income while the restaurant is still in the process of being renovated, the Maxims are currently renting out surrounding properties.

“A lot of our guests have family in Duluth that they don’t get to see very often,” Maxim said “This is a more comfortable, safe and convenient way out of the tourist-y hustle and bustle, and to be able to join their families for a holiday.” Taking up new residence in the Xcel Xercise and Sun City Tanning strip building, the Maxims’ hope to revitalize the surrounding area by adding some much needed renovation to the nearly century-old space.

“Lakeside is growing and evolving in its own urban way, and I think people are really enjoying more options and diversity,” Sarah Maxim said. “The building was really run down … the neighborhood in general has responded positively to the renovations.”

Locals have already started to show their vocal support for the new ‘Brewtel.’ Maxim explained that during renovations, passersby called out: “Thank you for making this whole block more beautiful!”

Additionally, locals speculate on how Lake Superior Brewing will impact the greater community of Lakeside.

“West Duluth used to be a little seedy until breweries started popping up, and now it’s a cool place to be,” Amity coffee shop barista Jaren Pykkonen said. “I wonder if [Lake Superior Brewing] will have the same impact.” 

Prior to Lake Superior Brewing, breweries were absent in the Lakeside area. Though most of Duluth has embraced local beer, it wasn’t until five years ago when the Duluth City Council voted to sign off on a state law that repealed the ban on alcohol sales in the Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood.

Going from a completely dry community to the location for a new brewery comes with growing pains, but ultimately, “people have been really positive about wanting that sense of community and a place to eat, drink and socialize,” Maxim said.

By catering to a wide variety of restaurant-goers, from people headed up the shore for a hike or people seeking a local community hangout, Lake Superior Brewing aims to provide a new space for Duluthians to drink and eat.

“We hope to build a positive, happy, healthy community environment … We want to share a piece of ourselves and all the delicious things we love with people,” Maxim said.

Lake Superior Brewing plans to open early May and is also looking to hire staff. More information can be found through their socials @LakeSuperiorBrewingDuluth on Instagram and Facebook.