Co-Owner Joe Colossa tells us the story of how this brewery got started, his connection to the Ringling family, and some other fun facts about him!
Why did you open a brewery?
We found a box hidden in AL. Ringling’s mansion, kind of like a time capsule that we believe he had put into the house. It was full of Ringling family artifacts. One of the most interesting things that was in there was the recipe to the Ringling’s house beer. That piece of paper inspired us to make the brewery because we really wanted to share the beer with the world. It was a beer that the Ringling family drank, and we were also thinking of different ideas for what to do with the ballroom. It was the perfect fit.
How did you find this hidden box of family artifacts?
We found the wooden box while we were working on a closet upstairs in one of the bedrooms. We were making it into a bathroom, and the box was under the floorboards.
That’s such an inspiring story for turning this historical home into both a brewery and a restaurant in Baraboo!
What is your favorite food item on the menu?
The empanadas. The Paraguayan beef is my favorite, but the chicken is good, too. It’s a tie probably. It’s called “Paraguayan” beef because of the way they cook and season the beef.
What is your favorite event at the brewery?
My favorite thing is the Friday night polka band. I like the excitement of the band: having a big band at the brewery, the music. Our place is full, and people are enjoying their food and beer.
What ways does the brewery give back to the community?
We always like to do our Give Back Sunday, which is usually once a month, sometimes a couple times a month. We give 10% of whatever revenue we generate that day back to whoever or whatever we are doing the fundraising for. We love to give back to the community. We love Baraboo.
That’s so great! So not only is this one of the most fun places to work in Baraboo, but employees can also be proud to be a part of an organization that cares about its community!
When you’re not at the brewery, what’s your favorite thing to do in Baraboo?
Probably chill up at Devil’s Lake by the lake or go hiking up in the bluffs.
What is your connection to the Ringling family?
I’m 4th generation in the circus. Born and raised in it. When I was about 8 years old, I got really interested in the Ringling family. I was always interested in the circus, but when I was about 8, I got interested in them, as in their personal lives. I was fascinated with their homes and their yachts, and I started to study them. Then this opportunity came along where we were able to purchase AL. Ringling’s mansion and try to keep their legacy alive.
Wow, so this is your 8-year-old dream?
For sure.
What’s your biggest achievement on the circus?
I worked for 14 years as the trainmaster for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. There were only 2 trains.