In downtown Green Bay, a stone’s throw from the Fox River, stands Titletown Brewing Company—a testament to community spirit and brewing passion. What began as a bold move to save a historic train depot from demolition has evolved over three decades into a cornerstone of the city’s craft beer scene. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where Packers faithful and pinball wizards gather, and where every pint tells a story.
To understand the heart of Titletown, we sat down with Head Brewer Jeff Kraft, a man whose own journey into brewing was as unconventional as the brewery’s origin. A former athletic trainer, Kraft traded sports medicine for the meticulous science of fermentation, a path that led him from homebrewing to the helm of one of Green Bay’s most iconic breweries. “I’m obsessed over like those tiny little details,” Kraft admits, a philosophy that permeates every aspect of Titletown, from its award-winning lagers to its experimental, cocktail-inspired sours. His story, much like the brewery’s, is one of passion, precision, and a deep-seated love for the Green Bay community.
From Historic Depot to Brewing Destination
A Brewery Born from Community Preservation
Thirty years ago, the future of a historic city block in Green Bay looked bleak. A plan was in motion to replace the old train depot with a Walmart, a move that would have erased a piece of local heritage. But a brewer named Brent Wer had a different vision. In a decisive effort, Wer worked to acquire the building from the city, saving it from the wrecking ball and giving it a new purpose as the home of Titletown Brewing Company. “He’s still one of the partial owners today,” Kraft notes, highlighting the enduring legacy of that foundational act.
The brewery flourished in the old depot, but success brought its own challenges. “From what I’ve been told, it was pretty tight spaces in there and they were at full capacity for quite some time,” Kraft explains. This growing demand prompted a significant expansion in 2014, when Titletown moved its entire production facility across the street into a much larger space. The move allowed for a bigger brewery, an expansive taproom, event spaces, and a rooftop bar that Kraft proudly calls “the best view in town.” While the original restaurant in the depot is no longer affiliated with the brewery, Titletown continues to serve food in its modern, multi-level taproom, maintaining its status as a premier downtown destination.
The Hub of Green Bay
Titletown Brewing is more than just a place to grab a beer; it’s a vibrant community hub that draws a remarkably diverse crowd. On any given day, you might find regulars who have been visiting since the brewery first opened its doors nearly 30 years ago, sharing a pint next to a group of pinball enthusiasts battling for the high score on one of the brewery’s machines. “We get a little bit of a pinball crowd,” Kraft says. “Every week we have that and then a big tournament… there’s like prizes, cash prizes awarded to the winners.”
The brewery’s name itself is a powerful magnet, especially on game days. Despite being located downtown rather than next to Lambeau Field, Titletown becomes a bustling hub for Packers fans. “We get a lot of football fans coming out of state whenever the Packers have a home game,” Kraft mentions. The atmosphere is electric before and after games, creating a unique rhythm of energy throughout the day. Add to that the weekly farmers’ market that brings a younger crowd, regular live music, and a welcoming, family-friendly environment, and it’s clear Titletown has cultivated a space for everyone. “It’s a big space,” Kraft, a new father himself, points out. “We see kids running around… We like weekends for sure. We’ll see a good amount of families coming out here.”
The Brewer’s Craft: A Philosophy of Precision and Passion
From Athletic Trainer to Brew Master
Jeff Kraft’s journey to becoming Head Brewer at Titletown is a story of passion turning into a profession. He began his career as an athletic trainer, but a love for homebrewing took hold and wouldn’t let go. “I, you know, fell in love with it and, after doing it for a while, enrolled myself in the American Brewers Guild,” he recalls. This pivot led to an internship and then a full-time gig at Hinterland in Green Bay before the opportunity at Titletown arose. Having grown up in the area, the brewery held a special place in his heart. “This is one of the places we would always go to with my family,” he says. “Loved to be here always and opportunity presented itself and… let’s do it.”
This personal connection fuels his dedication to the craft. Kraft’s brewing philosophy is rooted in a dual passion for innovation and tradition. On one hand, he loves experimenting with new hop products and pushing boundaries. On the other, he is deeply committed to the painstaking details that elevate a good beer to a great one, especially when it comes to lagers. “There’s a thousand little details and they all add up to make a great beer,” he explains. This means taking the time to do things the right way, even if it’s the hard way, like undertaking a complex decoction mash on a system not designed for it. “We’re going to take our time and do the slow process… try not to take any shortcuts.”
A Taste of Titletown: Core Brews and Bold Experiments
Titletown’s tap list is a carefully curated blend of enduring classics and modern creations. The 400 Honey Blonde Ale is the brewery’s oldest recipe, a light, easy-drinking ale sweetened with local Wisconsin honey that serves as a perfect introduction for those new to craft beer. Another long-standing favourite is the Johnny “Blood” Red, an Irish-style red ale and former Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medal winner that remains their number two seller.
Leading the pack is the Green 19, a West Coast-style IPA that has become their best-selling beer. Alongside these are the GABF award-winning Boathouse Pilsner and the newer Tundra Tropics, a hazy IPA that caters to modern tastes. This core lineup provides a solid foundation, but it’s in the experimental batches where Kraft’s creativity truly shines. One standout was Gridiron Glory, a Mexican-style light lager made with locally grown, unmalted blue corn. The process required the team to “reverse engineer” a special mashing process, resulting in a brew house that “smelled like tortilla chips” and a truly unique final product.
Perhaps the most unique offerings are the barrel-aged sours inspired by classic cocktails. “I think that’s a great place to look to get some unique fun flavors in beer,” Kraft says. This inspiration led to a passion fruit and peach sour aged in bourbon barrels to evoke a Whiskey Sour, and more recently, a tangerine, pineapple, and vanilla sour aged in tequila barrels to mimic a Tequila Sunrise. These beers showcase a sophisticated approach to flavour that pushes the boundaries of what beer can be.
Brewing for the Future
Beyond the Pint
In a constantly evolving beverage market, standing still isn’t an option. Kraft and the Titletown team are keenly aware of the shifting tastes of consumers. “People aren’t necessarily drinking less overall,” he observes. “They’re drinking more variety of stuff.” Titletown’s response has been to diversify its offerings beyond beer. The brewery has expanded into THC-infused beverages, is working on developing ciders, and has built out a full cocktail program to complement its beer menu. “Our big focus lately has been trying to expand what we’re doing instead of just beer… just trying to be as inclusive as possible,” Kraft states.
This forward-thinking approach extends to their brewing technology. The brewery is equipped with a 30-barrel system featuring advanced tools like a hop cannon for dry hopping, which minimizes oxygen exposure and preserves delicate hop aromas. They also have a specialised “crazy German machine” for kegging that ensures exceptional shelf life for their beers. A unique feature for patrons is the Lukr faucet used to pour their Boathouse Pilsner, a traditional Czech tap that creates an incredibly dense, creamy foam and changes the beer’s mouthfeel entirely. It’s these investments in quality and experience that keep Titletown at the forefront of the craft scene.
An Invitation to Titletown
When asked for a final message to potential visitors, Kraft returns to the simple, undeniable appeal of the brewery. “Come on down, check it out,” he says. “We’re the best view in Green Bay up on the sky lounge. Great spot downtown.” For those looking to dive deeper, the brewery offers tours by appointment, complete with a visit to the basement “beer bunker” and, of course, a few samples.
From preserving a piece of Green Bay’s history to pushing the boundaries of craft brewing, Titletown Brewing Company has crafted more than just excellent beer—it has built a community. It’s a place where stories are shared, games are celebrated, and every glass is a reflection of a three-decade journey. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, Titletown offers a taste of Green Bay’s authentic spirit.
