Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Late this spring, Sawmill Brewing Company upped the ante in options they offer, with the addition of a 22 x 8-foot food trailer complete with a fully functional commercial kitchen.
“We have been working toward offering food options since we opened in the Spring of 2016,” explains Sawmill co-owner and manager Zach Kubichek. “We actually purchased the trailer during the summer of 2016 and started off by serving kettle chips as a snack option. Then we eventually partnered with Rich Grenfell to offer ‘Uncle Rico’s Chicken Wings.’ Both proved very successful for us.”
Sawmill ownership looked to capitalize on that success and took the leap to offer a full menu out of the trailer in mid-May, thanks in part to the culinary expertise of chef Ann Liebmann.
“We were waiting to meet the right person for a partnership with the kitchen and found exactly what we were hoping for when we met met Ann,” Kubichek adds. “She happens to be the wife of a home brewer we had previously worked with, which is how we came into contact. We learned she had a culinary background and had traveled around the country; picking up various authentic cooking styles and recipes. We wanted to keep our menu as locally rooted as possible while also offering authentic menu options from around the country. Our visions for the trailer and menu options aligned, and we quickly realized she was the perfect fit for us. She is a great cook, her food is pretty amazing.”
From authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches to shrimp and grits, the menu offers an array of options on any given day. In keeping with their roots of brewing, as an added twist; the company’s home brews are incorporated into every menu option.
“We have gotten off to a great start,” Kubichek said. “We have heard great things from our customers and we have even sold out of food a few times so that’s always a good sign. The tough part is gauging how many people to serve on any given day versus how much food to have on hand to prepare. But we are new at this yet so I’m sure that will come in time.”
Sawmill food trailer hours are Thursday-Saturday 4-8 PM or until sold out. On Sundays at 11 a.m., brunch is served through 2 p.m. or until sold out. For more information, contact Sawmill Brewing Company at (715) 722-0230 or stop in at 1110 E. Tenth St.