Latest news with #Moor'sBrewing
CBS News
05-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Some Chicago companies say they have to brace for hits from President Trump's tariffs
Some Chicago companies say they're facing a direct impact after President Trump launched a possible trade war Tuesday with the United States' three largest trading partners — Mexico, Canada and China. President Trump's imposition of blanket 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico took effect overnight. China was hit with a second 10% tariff on U.S. exports since Mr. Trump took office, bringing the total levy to 20%. The price of a wide array of products will likely soon be going up as a result — affecting everything from food to electronics. Experts say, for instance, that the tariffs could drive the cost of some cars up by as much as $12,000. "There is no question that this is going to be hitting Americans in the next days, weeks, and months," said global economic analyst Rana Foroohar. One Chicago business bracing for an impact is Diversey House, at 2601 W. Diversey Ave. in the Logan Square neighborhood. It is business as usual for now at the new brewery and restaurant, but Moor's Brewing co-founder and chief executive officer Damon Patton said the brewery may be forced to increase the price of canned beer — as the aluminum used is imported from Canada. "Seventy-five percent of the craft brewing industry is done in aluminum cans," Patton said. "This is going to affect pricing." Some businesses in the Pilsen neighborhood say they too will be forced to increase prices, in their cases on products from Mexico, if tariffs are implemented. "It does make it harder to do business," said Julio Velazquez, owner of Escaramuza USA, 1644 W. 18th St. More than 90% of the handmade arts and crafts on the shelves of Escaramuza USA are imported from Mexico. "Increase prices — that was the reaction," said Velazquez. "We don't have a choice. We have to pay the tariffs. When items cross the border, they will be charging us the 25% on the value of the item." It could also cost consumers more for avocados and tomatoes — just some of Mexico's largest exports. Back at Diversey House, Patton said he will be paying close attention as President Trump could compromise on the steep tariffs as soon as Wednesday. "The craft brewing industry the last couple years has taken hit after hit," said Patton. "We fortunately have been able to survive these hits. I am confident we'll survive this one as well."
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moor's Brewing expands in Chicago with historic brewpub opening
The Brief Black-owned brewery opens its first taproom in Logan Square. Brewpub launch coincides with Black History Month. New beers honor Patsy Young, a pioneering Black brewer. CHICAGO - Moor's Brewing, one of Chicago's few Black-owned craft breweries, is marking a major milestone this week. After three years of selling beer in bars and stores, the company is opening its own brewpub—just the second Black-owned establishment of its kind in the city. What we know Moor's Brewing, founded by Damon Patton and Jamhal Johnson, is set to open Diversey House in Logan Square on Wednesday. The brewpub is a partnership with Steep Ravine Brewing, which previously occupied the space under a different name. The timing is intentional, as the founders wanted to open at the start of Black History Month. "We thought it would be super appropriate for us to open our first taproom during the month to pay homage to history," Johnson said. "Because we're making history." The brewpub will offer a sports bar atmosphere with a craft beer selection and food curated by three-time "Chopped" champion Marc Anthony Bynum. "It's just like a match made in heaven," Bynum said. "I love cooking, they like making great beers. And we're here to pair it." The backstory Patton and Johnson launched Moor's Brewing three years ago with a simple goal: to put a Black man on a beer can. Their journey has since led them to open their own space, despite early skepticism. "It was suggested that a Black man on the can would be detrimental to our launch and we wouldn't sell beer north of Cermak," Johnson recalled. "And as you see, we're on Diversey." As part of their commitment to history, the brewery is introducing a beer series named after Patsy Young, an enslaved woman who escaped in the early 1800s and supported herself by brewing beer. "We think that's a name in the beer industry everyone should know," Patton said. "She was an American woman, a Black American woman, formerly enslaved. And during Black History Month, it makes sense for us to champion her story." What's next With the grand opening of Diversey House, Patton and Johnson hope to make their mark in Chicago's craft beer scene while creating opportunities for other Black entrepreneurs in the industry. "We just wanted to put a Black man on a beer can," Patton said. "And now we got all this. It feels great."
