The Flying Fox to Open in Madison in December
A new bar and lounge is set to debut at 557 North St. following the closure of Young Blood Beer Co.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Flying Fox will open in the Eken Park neighborhood of Madison in early December 2026. The new establishment will take over the space at 557 North St. currently occupied by the Northstreet taproom.
Why it matters
The owners seek to provide a neighborhood living room and third space for residents in Eken Park, an area historically tied to local Oscar Mayer workers. The project marks a transition in the local hospitality landscape as the current taproom operator prepares to depart.
The Flying Fox will be located at 557 North St. in a space previously operated as a taproom since late 2022. The cocktail menu for the new establishment is currently 90% complete.
The players
Zane Rhodes
An operating partner for The Flying Fox who brings experience from his previous roles at The Deliciouser and Blue Plate Catering.
Young Blood Beer Co.
The current operator of the taproom at 557 North St. which is scheduled to vacate the premises at the end of October 2026.
The details
Owners plan to modify the interior by extending the existing bar and updating the furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere. Guests will have access to board games and retro video games, with mobile carts used to bring gaming options directly to tables.
Timeline
Late 2022: Northstreet taproom originally opened.
October 30, 2026: A farewell party for the current taproom takes place.
October 31, 2026: The Northstreet taproom officially closes.
Early December 2026: The Flying Fox is scheduled to open.
Market Landscape
The opening of The Flying Fox reflects a broader trend of hospitality businesses repurposing existing retail spaces to cultivate neighborhood-specific social hubs. This shift positions the new venue to serve the local Eken Park demographic as the previous long-term tenant concludes operations.
Customers in the Eken Park area will see a change in local dining options as the current taproom closes its doors on Halloween. The new venue plans to provide a menu featuring sausages, hot dogs, fries, and elote alongside its gaming-focused lounge environment.
The takeaway
The Flying Fox aims to redefine the local third space by combining casual dining with interactive entertainment options. Residents looking for a new social spot in Eken Park can anticipate the opening of this lounge in early December.
Further reading
Learn more about local business changes in the Madison Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wisconsin State Journal.
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