DREKKER'S SUPER MEGA EXPANSION!

The wheels on the machine that is Drekker Brewing Company have been turning since the fall of 2014, with the opening of their first brewery in downtown Fargo. Then, in the fall of 2018, they moved to their current location, just west of downtown Fargo, in an old railroad repair shop from the early 1880s that transformed into the beautiful space it is today. The most recent cog in this machine began turning in March of 2023, which is flawlessly named, Brewhalla.

Bringing new and exciting events to the community is what Drekker is all about. People from all over the country have poured into their taprooms to not only experience their wide variety of beer and alcoholic treats but also to be a part of the magic.

"We're just excited to be a part of a community that wants to add to that experience and have a life that is fun, strange, cool, and fulfilling," exclaimed Mark Bjornstad, co-owner of Drekker Brewing Company.

Drekker is known for throwing some off-the-wall events where you will find – onsite flash tattoo artists, tarot readings, an entire carnival taking over their parking lot, live music, and so much more. That energy has transferred soundly into Brewhalla.

With an impressive four stories, this space holds shops of all varieties, including but not limited to - a craft store, a plant shop, various types of food and drink, including two additional bars exclusively serving Drekker's fun and inventive tap beers and tasty frozen treats, and two event spaces. Not to mention ample space to lounge on the second floor, and two additional levels of hotel rooms, which will be available to book soon.

While Brewhalla has only been open for a month, they wasted no time bringing it to life with, Fooler's Ball.

"On our third weekend being open, we threw a giant beer festival; it was unlike a festival anyone had ever been to before, full of cool experiences and cool activations," said Bjornstad. "By being recognized nationally and making those connections, other breweries are coming to Fargo."

This event welcomed breweries and guests from all over the country to sample beer, partake in the festivities, and enjoy Fargo.

With all the growth Drekker has seen, and the connections they have made, it was very clear from the beginning they were going to keep pushing in the brewery by creating new and unique beer while simultaneously creating their next big project. By attending festivals worldwide, distributing beer nationwide and into other countries, and hosting their events, they have made a name for themselves that speaks volumes.

Bjornstad often acknowledged the "team" as he spoke about the ongoing projects at Drekker and Brewhalla, saying that this machine wouldn't be what it is today without each team member.

"What Drekker has become in the community and what Drekker has been nationally, we were able to keep true to our beliefs and our way of doing things on both of those seemingly different paths," said Bjornstad. "We are both an inward-looking company and an outward-looking company … I am super happy that we are doing what we said we were going do, living out the dream for the community but also for the team."

I spoke with Bjornstad about what he wants Brewhalla to mean to the community and what he hopes to see come of it, and the answer was simple.

"A life happens in moments lived; we believe in creating a space where that can happen," exclaimed Bjornstad. "If we keep pushing the boundary of what Fargo can be and what it means to be living a really good life in Fargo, Fargo is going to change."

With the expansion of Drekker throughout the years, how can they top this? What could be next?

"We have been very clear that we are not done; we are not satisfied with opening Brewahalla. What we're building here, this is a machine, this is a good time factory; it is going to run and spin, and we're always going to be churning out something new," said Bjornstad.

The realization that this is just the beginning for Drekker is incredible, and I cannot wait to see what crazy idea they come up with next! It has been amazing to watch this company grow into the animal it is and bring the community together with people from all over the country to step into their world and enjoy it, if even for a moment.

Many subjects came up when discussing the good life, but one quote stood out more to me than any other.

"We believe in catalyzing moments where people come together and share something weird and extraordinary, and that experience becomes an experience of their lives," said Bjornstad. “There is always a new experience to be had at Brewhalla.” •