The cold weather and snow in the coming months may have residents and guests looking forward to the warmer summer months. That was the case during the Village Board meeting on November 28, when the Village Board considered and acted on recommendations from the Pleasant Prairie Park Commission. Board members unanimously selected an operator for the proposed Lake Andrea Beer Garden planned for Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie.
"Visit Pleasant Prairie’s efforts were crucial in bringing the beer garden initiative forward. They supported it by developing a pop-up beer garden event that occurred this past summer on the beautiful shores of Lake Andrea," explained Community Development Director Jean Werbie-Harris. "The event’s success furthered the momentum for a permanent beer garden in Prairie Springs Park. Visit Pleasant Prairie continued working with Village staff to guide the project forward with the goal of creating a committee to make the vision a reality."
Village staff sent a request for proposal (RFP) to five local southeastern Wisconsin candidates and met with four. All had qualified and either proven beer garden or hospitality operations. The Village had three goals and searched for an operator that could:
- Supply the public with the most satisfactory service from the beer garden concessions.
- Deliver unique opportunities, family-friendly experiences, and a variety of authentic and local talent for entertainment activities and social gatherings.
- Ensure the Village receives adequate compensation to offset future park and recreation expenses.
An RFP Evaluation Committee reviewed the two proposal responses submitted to the Village. While both respondents were qualified, Village Staff determined Pleasant Prairie Beer Garden Joint Venture Lake Andrea Beer Garden was the best-qualified operator. The selection was based on ten reasons, including the operator's willingness to modify an existing 45-foot by 20-foot picnic shelter at Picnic Area #2 in Prairie Springs Park, south of the Wruck Beach Pavilion, to create a permanent asset for the Parks Department.
The selected operators are Michael Grab and Anthony DeBartolo, owners and operators of the Petrifying Springs Biergarten in Somers, and Mike Honold, the owner of Rivals Sports Pub and Grille in Kenosha. The project is proposed to be known as Lake Andrea Beer Garden and plans to feature a limited food menu, premium craft beers, wine, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Proposed Lake Andrea Beer Garden Site Plan
