Mickey Finn's Move a 'No-Brainer,' Owner Says

When owner Brian Grano learned that a nearby building was on the market, he jumped at the chance to finally own his own space for his restaurant and brewery.

"I've always wanted to own my own space," said Grano, noting that the existing space for Mickey Finn's — including the parking lot — is rented. "It's a great time to buy, so we got a great deal."

"At the end of the day, it was a no-brainer," said Grano.

Thirteen months from now, customers will get to experience a new Mickey Finn's, which will be located in the building that encompasses 345 and 347 N. Milwaukee Ave. It's just down the street form the current location.

"We couldn't be happier," said Grano. "We're definitely out of space. We can't brew all the beer that we need in this facility."

The new facility, Grano said, will be 20 percent bigger and will feature three times the brewery space. There's also a lot more parking, thanks to the nearby municipal lot.

Grano plans to renovate the building's facade and interior.

"It's not going to be drastically different" than the current look, he said, with an "Irish pub meets industrial" sort of feel. "It will be comfortable. It will be warm."

Whereas the current facility offers live music on the second floor, the new location will be all one level with live music in the bar.

The menu isn't expected to be drastically different either, Grano said, with the restaurant still offering "freshly-prepared, affordable bar food" like burgers, pizza, and fish and chips.

He hopes to be able to do bottling in the new brewery space.

Grano has set September 2013 as the target opening for the new location.