Torg Brewery owners (l-r): Debbie Torgerson and Dave Torgerson
Torg Brewery
Business: Brewing Company
Location: Spring Lake Park
Offering Date: 12/29/16
Fundraising Goal: $600,000
By October 2016, the microbrewing market had swelled with 120 licensed breweries operating in Minnesota with nearly two-thirds opening within the last 5 years. Thanks to the explosive growth, Minnesotans have become more thoughtful beer consumers, making it challenging for newcomers to stand out. But Dave and Debbie Torgerson, owners of Torg Brewery, may have found their competitive edge: open their brewery in a “beer desert”.
While the city of Spring Lake Park does not suffer from a lack of watering holes and liquor stores, it does not have a licensed brewery – making it a prime location for the Andover couple to debut their line of 10 “friendly, approachable” beers from the light and wispy Threshold – an American cream ale for the beer novice – to the hoppier and spicy Bearded Preacher’s Wife – an American IPA.
“The northern suburbs haven’t been represented,” remarked co-owner and Army veteran Dave Torgerson when reflecting on the geographic strongholds for microbreweries – mainly northeast and downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. “We’re trying to present a different environment here.”
Beyond the location, the other notable difference is that the head brewer is not Dave, but his wife, Debbie Torgerson. Since the couple began homebrewing nearly 4 years ago, Debbie has been the creative force behind the Torg Brewery brand creating relatable, yet sophisticated ales and stouts. Her world travels have significantly influenced her beermaking – opting to use subtle notes of fruits, spices and florals – and Torg Brewery’s customers are grateful for it.
So much so, that when the Torgersons launched their investment crowdfunding campaign last December, some of their customers became their first investors. Since then, Torg Brewery has surpassed their minimum fundraising goal of $150,000. Doug Torgerson acknowledges that the MNvest rule has made it possible for them to do so. “Through MNvest [rule], we have had opportunities to be part of publicity efforts that helped us,” said Dave.
Torg Brewery is still accepting investors to join them in their quest to bring their brews to the “parched northwest” suburbs. If you are interested in learning more about investment opportunities with Torg Brewery, click here.