Pollyanna Brewing Will Open Chicago Taproom in 2027
The brewery will launch its new location at the former Alarmist Brewing site in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Pollyanna Brewing and Distilling plans to open a new taproom at 4055 W. Peterson Ave. in February or March 2027. The project will expand the former Alarmist Brewing facility by 4,000 square feet to accommodate up to 225 guests.
Why it matters
By renovating the former Alarmist Brewing location, Pollyanna aims to preserve the legacy of the defunct brand while integrating it into their existing operations. The company has already begun brewing reincarnations of popular Alarmist beers to maintain local favorites.
The expansion adds 4,000 square feet to the facility, which will feature a kitchen and private event space for 200-225 patrons. This project follows Pollyanna's acquisition of Alarmist Brewing and its recipes in summer 2026.
The players
Pollyanna Brewing and Distilling
An Illinois-based brewery headquartered in Lemont that operates four existing suburban locations.
Alarmist Brewing
A former Chicago brewery that ceased operations in early 2026 after gaining recognition for beers like Le Jus.
The details
The site at 4055 W. Peterson Ave. will undergo significant renovations to include an additional bar, a kitchen, and a private event space. New garage doors will also be installed to provide a direct connection between the indoor taproom and the venue's beer garden.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Pollyanna acquired Alarmist Brewing and began production of its recipes.
October 6 and 20, 2026: Pollyanna is hosting community town halls regarding the project.
November 2026: Potential additional town halls may be held.
February or March 2027: The new taproom is expected to open to the public.
Market Landscape
Pollyanna's expansion into the Chicago market leverages established regional brand equity to compete with local independent taprooms. This move follows the 2018 Great American Beer Festival medal win for Le Jus, which established the specific product's long-term commercial potential.
Local beer enthusiasts will gain access to a larger venue featuring a full kitchen and private event space in the Sauganash neighborhood. Residents can also expect the continued availability of popular former Alarmist brews like Pantsless and Crispy Boy.
The takeaway
The brewery is focused on balancing site expansion with community integration through a series of scheduled town hall meetings. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the new facility meets the needs of the surrounding Chicago neighborhood.
What happens next
Pollyanna is scheduled to host community town halls on October 6 and October 20, 2026, to gather feedback on the new location.
Further reading
For more information on local business developments, visit the Chicago Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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