West Burlington Couple Will Open Brewery and Grocery Store Downtown

Kathy Bentz stands in front of the Gabeline Implement Building in the 700 block of Jefferson Street. She and her husband, Brandon, purchased the building (along with the adjacent Scotten Building) in late November. The couple plans to turn the buildings into a brewery and grocery store within the next two years. Photo by William Smith.<br> — Kathy Bentz stands in front of the Gabeline Implement Building in the 700 block of Jefferson Street. She and her husband, Brandon, purchased the building (along with the adjacent Scotten Building) in late November. The couple plans to turn the buildings into a brewery and grocery store within the next two years. Photo by William Smith.

By Beacon Staff

It’s going to be a busy two years for Kathy and Brandon Bentz.

The West Burlington couple, who own and operate Fusion Tech in Roseville, Ill., recently purchased the buildings at 712 and 722 Jefferson St.

Within a couple of years, those buildings will be transformed into a brewery and grocery store. The brewery will feature German and Norwegian-style beers, as well as a select food menu.

“The grocery store will have the meats we will offer in the brewery itself, and we will have more standard grocery store items likes eggs and milk," Kathy Bentz said.

Both buildings were constructed by Samuel Scotten, a Burlington native, and Chicago businessman, according to records from the State Historical Society of Iowa.

The second floor of the Gabeline Implement Building is shown. The access gate to the freight elevator can be seen on the right-hand side of the photo.  Beacon file photo.<br> — The second floor of the Gabeline Implement Building is shown. The access gate to the freight elevator can be seen on the right-hand side of the photo. Beacon file photo.

The Bentz's purchased the buildings from previous owner Tim Scott in late November. They had their eye on the buildings for a while, and an unexpected financial windfall through a farm sale provided the opportunity to pounce on the properties.

“We were sitting at Wake and Bake having breakfast, and he (Brandon Bentz) was like, 'That’s a really cool building,'" Kathy Bentz recalled.

The portions of the buildings that aren’t occupied were cleaned out by Scott prior to the sale, leaving way for the Bentz's to start renovations as soon as possible. Though the buildings are not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bentz said she wants to keep as much of original elements as possible.

“There’s lots of work. You may see some of the windows coming out shortly. That’s our first project,” she said.

The second story of the Scotten Building at 722 Jefferson Street was home to the Knights of Columbus until 1955, and Kathy Bentz said the ballroom in the former hall is still intact. Even the antique ceiling fan above the dance floor still works.

A view of the former Knights of Columbus Hall on the second floor of the Scotten Building. The ceiling medallion conceals a still-functional ceiling fan. Beacon file photo.<br> — A view of the former Knights of Columbus Hall on the second floor of the Scotten Building. The ceiling medallion conceals a still-functional ceiling fan. Beacon file photo.

The first floor brewery, which has yet to be named, will be developed by Brandon Bentz. He’s long had an interest in brewing and is learning some recipes. In additiona, the brewery will serve smoked meats, which will also be sold at the grocery store.

“With more apartments coming in here, there is a need for a grocery store,” Kathy Bentz said.

Bentz knows opening a business downtown will be like joining a new community, and she welcomes it.

“It (opening a new business) is equally intimidating and exciting,” she enthused.

Dating back to 1912, the structure at 712 Jefferson St. is also known as the Gabeline Implement Building. Several companies selling farm implements operated at the address over the years, including Sears Roebuck & Company. The building was recently occupied by Five Flags, which sold janitorial, pool, and spa supplies, and Drain Tainer sewer and septic service.

The Scotten Building at 722 Jefferson St. was finished in 1915. Various businesses have been located in the storefronts over the years; Riverview Designs, Me Time Massage, and Starr Asylum Tattoos currently occupy the first floor.

The Scotten and Gabeline Implement buildings shown against a clear December sky. Photo by Stacey Abell.<br> — The Scotten and Gabeline Implement buildings shown against a clear December sky. Photo by Stacey Abell.