Brix Cider

Local startup Brix Cider gets on its feet with new production, restaurant, and retail space

Local startup Brix Cider spent nearly two years searching for a building to become their company’s home, eventually finding a leasing opportunity with Schlecht Retail Ventures. Steve Schlecht contracted with National Construction to complete remodeling of an aging art studio at 119 S. 2nd Street in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Along with an addition, the new space was designed for future buildout by local, artisan food and beverage producers.

Brix Cider owners Marie and Matt Raboin found it perfect for their burgeoning small business.

In 2016, the Raboins founded Brix Cider after experimenting with the beverage for more than 10 years. Their vision of farm-to-table food and a wide variety of unique cider selections seemed promising, but they were discouraged when potential locations kept falling through.

In 2018, National Construction fully renovated the existing building and constructed a 6,940 addition to create 12,280 square feet of finished space. Brix Cider leases part of the building in the village’s beautiful downtown, nestled among quaint shops and recreation destinations.

Now, the cider company has ample room to pursue its passion. The new space functions as a production site and retail environment all in one, enabling the couple to streamline their day-to-day processes. Customers enjoy the rustic dining area while employees work behind the scenes.

The production space features a commercial kitchen equipped with a stove, deep fryer, and complete production area. Epoxy flooring and FRP-lined walls are built to withstand wear and tear.

In the retail environment, clerestory windows welcome natural light to showcase an open structure concept with vaulted ceilings and exposed ductwork. In good weather, patrons can venture outside to enjoy their drinks on the walk-out patio alongside live music.

Community support is a foundation of Brix Cider — they source all produce from local growers and are proud to be Wisconsin’s very first cider pub. The company’s tasting room has 12 tap lines that are regularly rotated to bring a variety of cider options to the area.

National Construction also worked with the client to coordinate HVAC specific to Brix Cider’s brewing and kitchen equipment. The project was completed in three months.