Badger Hill & Bravi’s Find a New Home in Canterbury Commons
Since it was founded in 2012, Badger Hill Brewing has been a proud member of the Shakopee community. However, their original location in an industrial area of the city meant that there was limited pedestrian and drive-by traffic.
“If you were coming to Badger Hill in the past, you either knew about us and really wanted to come here, or you were really lost,” says owner Chris Cole.
That under-the-radar location is now a thing of the past, thanks to the brewery’s new taproom in the Canterbury Commons development. Badger Hill’s more prominent location is convenient for Shakopee residents and visitors alike, thanks to its proximity to residential areas and Canterbury Park. “You can see the horses at Canterbury from our patio!” says Cole.
The new space has also been an opportunity to expand taproom offerings. Badger Hill is still brewing larger volumes of beer for distribution at their original brewery, and the smaller brewery at their new location allows them to brew innovative beers exclusively for taproom customers. The taproom now serves coffee in the morning, and there’s a stage and sound system to host more live music. (Longtime Badger Hill fans will be happy to know that the “Death Star disco ball” has been relocated to the new taproom and is hanging over the stage.) There’s also a private room that can be rented for meetings, and the taproom’s large circular bar has been a hit with customers.
“We’re creating a craft-oriented community experience,” says Cole. “All of the regulars came over from the other location, and we’ve also noticed new people from the neighborhood. We’re exposing people to what a brewery taproom is: it’s a different experience than a bar, it’s very family-friendly and social, it’s low key.”
Another crowd-pleasing feature of the new taproom is the next door neighbor—Bravi’s Craft Mexican Kitchen shares the building. The restaurant recently relocated to Canterbury Commons after five years as a popular spot in downtown Shakopee. The new, larger space will enable the restaurant to expand its menu offerings, as well as add desserts and a full bar menu. There’s a spacious patio and bar seating area, and Badger Hill customers can order Bravi’s tacos and other Mexican fare through a service window in the taproom.
Cole is looking forward to the future, as the Canterbury Commons neighborhood continues to develop with additional housing, hotels, an amphitheater, and more restaurants. “This whole part of town will be developed into a residential and entertainment area, and we get to get in on the ground floor,” he says. “We’re super excited. We love Shakopee as a place to be, and we’re excited to be in a better place.”
2805 Winners Circle Drive
Shakopee, MN 55379
2815 Winners Circle Drive
Shakopee, MN 55379
