New Year's Eve Party at the Brewhaus

Everybody has a favorite holiday classic song, and one of mine is Ella Fitzgerald singing, "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve." She makes just the right blend of hopefulness and nostalgia, and her lush, gorgeous voice… well, there hasn’t been anything like it since.

In case you haven’t already made plans for New Year’s Eve, we’d like to invite you to join us at the Delafield Brewhaus. We like to ring in the New Year with the people who make our work meaningful, and that means you! Join us before the party for a special menu of sumptuous and savory dinners, including tender prime rib. After dinner, it’s just a short walk to the bar for an array of New Year’s Eve drink specials.

At 10 p.m., we shift gears into party mode when the DJ kicks things off a classic mix of high-energy dance music. This is the time of night when pints of our year-round brews are just $3 each. To help you commemorate the night, we’ve arranged a photo booth with props to help you capture the mood of celebration.

Just before midnight, we’ll be winding through the crowd with party hats, noisemakers and champagne to make a joyful noise for 2017. Be there with your friends and loved ones as hundreds of balloons float down over the dance floor, and dance until you can’t anymore!

When the party’s over, pile into your designated driver’s car (or call an Uber!) to take you up the street the the La Quinta Inn on Hillside Dr., where you will receive a 20% discount on your room. After a good night’s sleep, you can join us for Sunday Brunch, complete with restorative bloody marys and mimosas.

We can’t wait to see you and to celebrate the holiday together!

Take a deep breath… and exhale…. We can help!

Take a deep breath… and exhale…. We are in the heart of the holiday season and coming down the home stretch to the One Big Day when children’s dreams come true and adults breathe a collective sigh of relief -- but we’re not there yet! You’ve still got a few weeks to remember those you forgot to put on your Nice List, and to find the perfect gift for everybody on it.

If your List (or holiday parties) have beer lovers, we’ve got you covered. An easy way to delight your craft beer aficionados is our branded gift box, which includes a growler (a half-gallon glass jug for transporting beer), a certificate for a free fill of our year-round -- or comparably-priced -- brew, a beer bread mix and our Haus-brand sauce. With the first fill, your recipient will be given a punch card to start earning free beer.

If you’ve ever carried a growler, they can be slightly unwieldy if you’ve got more to haul. For hands-free convenience, pick up a neoprene growler koozie, which features an adjustable strap so one size will finally fit all!

We have a wide variety of wearables, from tank tops and t-shirts to hoodies and hats. We are also proud of our 16-oz. ceramic tankards which are really lovely, and perfect for home use or a summer outing to any of Milwaukee County’s Beer Gardens.

Some like it hot, and if you’ve got a spicy food-lover on your list, give the gift of internal combustion with our 4-pack of hot sauces.

A full inventory of our giftware can be found here. Give Santa a helping hand by doing some shopping from your desktop or mobile device, or accomplish two tasks with one stop by coming in for a meal and a pint while you do your shopping. We are here to help you in this magical season. Happy Holidays, and Ein Prosit!

Host the Best Company Holiday Party of the Season

For a fun and stress-free holiday party, choosing the right venue can make all the difference. While house or in-office parties are cozy and personal, it may not be suited (or insured) to hold the festivities you are picturing in your mind. Plus, this leaves all of the work on your shoulders. By choosing the Delafield Brewhaus, you choose industry professionals who are experienced in all types of parties.

1. Tasty Food

Everyone gets excited about a delicious meal. When you call to book your party, we will talk about the needs of your group. Are you planning a sit-down dinner, a buffet, or a cocktail party with passed appetizers? This is a good time to start thinking about dietary restrictions and allergies.

2. Alcohol

We are known for quality craft beers, boasting our own brewery in-house, but we also have a wide selection of wines and an even wider selection of spirits. We also have a large number of non-alcoholic offerings to keep the party going..

3. Accurate Headcount

It is important to know how many people you are expecting in order to plan for enough space, seating and food. Be sure to clarify details about a plus one in the invitation and remember to ask guests to RSVP. You may also want to send a friendly reminder a week or two before the event.

4. Lively Music

Music will lighten the atmosphere and put everyone in a cheerful mood. Create a playlist ahead of time with more songs than you think you will need. At the venue, take the time to work with any equipment and learn how to operate it. Or hire a band or DJ to take the entertainment to another level.

5. Decorations

Ask the venue if the space is decorated. If they do not, ask if you can bring your own. If you will be hosting the party after Christmas had passed, remember that snowflakes, greenery, and other winter themed decorations will be appropriate into 2017.

Since the holidays are so busy, consider hosting a winter-themed get together after most festivities have passed. Many holiday parties take place in January, which is advantageous for the feeling of relaxation that settles in after the hectic holiday season..

We’re scheduling company holidays now through well into 2017. If you’d like to start planning the festivities, call Tricia Knutson at 262.646.7821. No matter when you decide to host your holiday party, remember to treasure the magic of the season.

It’s that time of year again...

It’s that time of year again: we get out the Naughty List, brush it off, review it and then throw it in the trash. Around here, we’ve got plenty of Christmas Spirit, and I’m not just talking about that warm, glowing feeling. We’ve also got a special, limited-release Christmas Spirit just for you (even if you didn’t make the Nice List this year).

If you were with us last Holiday Season, you may recall our Sleigh Ride Ale. It was an exceptional beer which earned our highest ranking ever on the popular beer-lovers ranking app, Untapp’d (click to download). John and Bill are definitely on the Nice List for all their hard work this year, and they are putting in some overtime to put the finishing touches on this year’s holiday beer: a complex and very satisfying blend of three popular beers.

The Sleighwreck Ale promises to be just as wondrous as last year’s limited release. Our talented team has been busy aging Barleywine and Maibock in wood, then blending the result with Scotch Ale for an unforgettable flavor you’ll be proud to bring to your get-togethers (unless you drink it yourself first!).

The first 100 bottles will be released on the 15th of December, and additional bottles will be added in the days and weeks until Christmas. The release dates will be updated on Facebook and Twitter, so join us in cyberspace if you haven’t already -- it’s an easy way to stay knowledgeable about our events and brews (and also see some behind-the-scenes magic). See you soon!

What Does Every Wedding Venue Need? 10 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue

What Does Every Wedding Venue Need?

10 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue

What an exciting, happy time! Planning a wedding can be both fun and overwhelming, and the venue of your wedding is one of the most important decisions you will make. The options are almost endless, but once you have narrowed them to a few favorites, you have to consider if the venue has everything that you need. Here are some of the essentials.

1. Sound system

Ask what features the sound system has. If you want to show a video, make sure this is possible with their technology.

2. Logistics

It may not be fun to think about, but the logistics of the venue must be considered for the comfort of your guests and your own peace of mind. Is there a private, separate entrance? Is it wheelchair accessible? Where are the restrooms? Are they easy to access? Are they wheelchair accessible? If the date of the wedding is during a cold weather season, is there a coat closet?

3. Full service bar

Even if you choose not to have an open bar, it should still be stocked with beer, wine, and call liquor as options for guests.

4. Dance Floor

Is there enough room for dancing? Make sure that it will not be too crowded, but also not so large that it will look empty. You want it to look like everyone is having a good time! Consider the size of your guest list and the number of people who might be on the dance floor at a given time.

5. Capacity

Capacity does not mean how many people the room can hold. It refers to the actual number of seats that will be offered to you by the venue.

6. Deposit information

Most venues will require a deposit when you make the reservation. Ask if there is a refund policy, as there may not be one. Some venues do not allow for cancellations.

7. Catering

In-house catering takes away the task of finding an outside caterer and the complications that come along with it. In-house catering might be the best budget-friendly option for your wedding. Depending on the venue, the menu will still be customizable to suit your personal taste and aesthetic.

8. Fees

How much is charged for the use of the space? What is included? Linens, tables, and chairs are sometimes not included.

9. Lodging

If you know you have guests coming from out of town, is there a nearby hotel or inn for them to stay at? You may want to ask for a special rate if you have a large number of guests traveling to your wedding from several hours away.

10. Privacy

You most likely do not want strangers gawking at your wedding and your guests. If the venue is a public place, ask if there is a separate entrance for that particular place and if other people will have access to it.

Delafield Brewhaus can answer all your wedding venue questions. We’re equipped with ALL of the amenities mentioned here, and more besides! From a full bar to sound system to a private entrance, we’ve got it all covered. Come see for yourself: call to book a tour of our space today! 262-646-7821.

Change is Good

Photo Credit: Kim Pizzala

In Wisconsin, the seasons change, and that can be a really beautiful thing. One of the ways we change with the seasons is, we update our cocktail menu. At this time of year, we shift from the juicy, berry-flavored drinks of summer for the more savory flavors of fall. Warm, brown spirits, baking spices and fall fruit are ushered onto the menu, just in time for the coziness of sweaters and the smell of leaves as they fall like multicolored confetti from the trees.

This fall’s menu features two favorites from last year, the Autumn Fire and the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned. Our bartender Jerod designed the Autumn Fire to be a silky, creamy cocktail that is as sophisticated as it is delicious. With its hint of cinnamon, it satisfies the palate and the spirit. Our bartender, Ally, asked us to bring back the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned, because it speaks to the timeless pleasures of fall without being overly sweet.

We’re expanding our portfolio of beer cocktails. You may recall the Beer Margarita; and who can forget the Keg Nog? This summer we branched out with a Ginger Shandy, which was complex and quaffable. This fall, we’re featuring the Autumn Shandy, which makes the most of our best-selling Delafield Amber, adding Drambuie, ginger beer and a touch of lemon to brighten it up.

Last but certainly not least is my own favorite, the Oh, Pear! Bulleit bourbon, with a pear reduction and the warm, savory spices of Milwaukee’s own Bittercube Bitters’ Trinity bitters.

We welcome these drinks, and this change of seasons, as we pack away our bathing suits and bring out the sweaters and jackets we haven’t seen for months. The menu comes to life October 1, and we look forward to seeing you at the Delafield Brewhaus bar!

Partnership Opportunity

In life, people come and go. This is an unfortunate but well-known truth. The people we work with are no exception to this rule. Though we have labored together side-by side and grown to care for one another, sometimes our dreams pull us apart. As true friends, we have no choice but to stand aside and wish our loved ones well as they launch themselves bravely into the future.

At the Delafield Brewhaus, we are very fortunate to have known some very fine people. I, personally, can say in all seriousness that I have met more truly good people in the nearly four years I have worked here, than I met in the previous decades combined. Though we are sorry to see dear friends leaving, we are eager to meet new and hardworking people who will help our team continue to pursue excellence in all departments.

Now we are hiring and we would open the process up to you, for you to recommend the good people in your life to our endeavors. Yes, we work hard, but we work hard together. Yes, the work can be challenging, but we draw on our combined strength to achieve our objectives. We have the training, tools and teamwork needed to continue our success into the future, but we are asking for your help to fill our roster with smart, hardworking, kind people -- the sort of people you’d like working for you and your family.

If you know anyone whom you think would thrive in our environment, please recommend us to them. Let us know whom you’re sending, and ask them to put your name down as a reference. If your recommendation is hired and remains with us for 90 days, we will thank you with a $25 gift certificate to use as you wish.

Thank you for the compliment of your continued patronage, and for your partnership in these exciting times!

How to Incorporate Professional Development into Your Office

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), “Employee development is almost universally recognized as a strategic tool for an organization's continuing growth, productivity and ability to retain valuable employees.” When your employees are learning and growing, educating themselves day after day, the company as a whole grows, too.

There’s many additional reasons for a company to concern itself with the professional development of its employees. For instance, when a company cares about career development, it is more likely to notice upcoming changes in technology, work environment changes, social and demographic trends, and the upcoming needs for a variety of different kinds of jobs. For the employee, there’s a number of benefits as well. Employees feel more engaged when they recognize that their employer is concerned about their well-being. When employees know that the company they work for actually wants them to go after their individual career goals and, even more, provides them with ways to reach those goals, morale, productivity, and motivation is improved organization-wide. So, how can a company begin incorporating professional development into the office?

1. Determine the employee development budget

How much of the company’s resources can be devoted to professional development? Once this question is answered, so can the remaining questions.

2. Determine which skills are the priority 

Try developing a system for this step. Have a brainstorming session and write down all the different skills that come up in the session. Have a record on file; later, you’ll be able to track which skills you’ve been building and which could use more attention.

3. Plan for development that meets both the employees’ goals and the mission of the company

SHRM states, “Recognize and use the departmental goals and objectives as a basis for developing employees.” When your company does that, it’s a win-win situation.

4. Determine which tools/resources your company will use for development purposes 

There’s a number of different options you can pursue. Here’s the short list:
• In-service training
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Webinars
• Seminars
• Cross-training
• Mentoring
• Job rotation
• Internships

Depending on the type of professional development that your company chooses to incorporate, you’ll need to consider a number of additional questions. For instance, if you decide to host a seminar, where will you have the event? We answered this question in our latest blog post, “10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Business Venue.” Check it out here. Here at the Delafield Brewhaus, we have private dining options available for business lunches, meetings, seminars, conferences, and more. The Brewhaus offers a full range of services to make an event like a professional development seminar successful. Learn more here.

5. Monitor your employees’ continuing performance to evaluate and refine future professional development opportunities. 

Incorporating professional development in the office is not a one-time thing. For it to be effective, it needs to happen throughout the year, month after month. Keep improving with each professional development opportunity by taking notes, monitoring differences, and evaluating the results. There’s always opportunity for growth – it’s just easier to find when you’re watching for it!

If you’re ready to plan a professional development event for your company, consider Delafield Brewhaus for your business event venue. Get in touch with us by calling 262-646-7821.

Lake Country Beer and Wine Festival

Be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi said that, and it is good advice. Great advice, really -- especially if your efforts result in a huge beer-and-wine party at a hotel with a water park built into it. Okay, maybe not exactly what Gandhi had in mind, but it’s still a great idea.

It all started with one local couple  who couldn’t happily attend either beer or wine tastings together because he likes beer and she likes wine. Rather than give up, Andy Roncke started his own festival. The Lake Country Beer and Wine Festival has something for both camps, plus live music from the Rhythm Kings.

On September 30, 2016, you can join the Delafield Brewhaus and thirteen other breweries, plus thirteen wineries at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee for a celebration of fermentation. $45 will buy you unlimited tastings from all the featured community partners, a souvenir tasting glass, live entertainment, and food to be served from 8-9p.m.

Plus, this event has a heart. We are coming into the season of giving and counting our blessings, so please bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. For every item you bring, you will get a raffle ticket for beer-and-wine giveaways, which are drawn from 6-11 p.m.

Single advance tickets are $45 and are available here, and sleepover discounts are available, just mention the event when booking your rooms. We are ready to have a great time for very worthy cause.

5 Tips for Surviving the Brewhaus Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is fast approaching, and if you’ve been with us in years past, you know that we take the gemutlicheit very seriously. The beer flows from morning until night, a live polka band plays on our patio and everywhere -- I mean everywhere -- you look, our guests are celebrating. Lederhosen, dirndls, those beer-drinking hats and steins from all over are just a few of the things you’ll see at our party. We also offer up traditional German fare to help everybody power through this boozy bash.

When I went to WhiskeyFest in Chicago, I did my homework first. Of course I studied the vendors that would be there, and the styles they’d be bringing. More importantly, I also asked everybody I knew professionally how to stay sober at a marathon drinking event. Then, for good measure, I studied the Russians. Here are a few tips to help keep you from being “that guy” at the party.

1. Get a good night’s sleep before the party, and be mindful of your nutrition in the days leading up to Oktoberfest.
2. When you get to the Brewhaus, put down a base layer of fat in your stomach. I learned this one from the Russians, and can endorse it as helpful. Eating something fatty will slow the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol. The Russians recommend drinking a raw egg, which I do not recommend, but perhaps a serving of cheese curds, or french fries with cheese sauce would be a good place to start.
3. Hydrate. I can’t say this one enough. Feather in a glass of water every couple of drinks, especially once you get a few beers in and all you want is more beer.
4. Move your body. Circulating at a party is a good way to monitor your motor skills, and fresh air is a great friend to have.
5. Keep eating. This is the best way I know to stay on top of your buzz.

Here’s a little more free advice, because I care: If you’re drinking, plan a ride home. All we want is to show you a good time and to see you again.

10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Business Venue

When planning a business event, it can seem like your to-do list is never ending. From developing the preliminary agenda to sending out invitations to key participants, many details need to be considered to make your meeting a success. While parts of planning can be complicated, we believe that picking your business venue should be as straightforward as possible. In an effort to make it even easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of 10 essential questions to ask when choosing a conference venue.

1. What is the Capacity?

One of the first steps to take when selecting a potential business venue is coming up with an estimate of the number of attendees. This helps you book a space that will fit all of your guests comfortably. Whether hosting a smaller meeting or a larger conference, the Delafield Brewhaus can accommodate up to 200 guests in our banquet facility or up to 80 guests in our mezzanine.

2. Is Space Available?

Most businesses have a few selected dates in mind for their event, so it is important to find a space that can host on the desired date. We try to be as flexible as possible, so please call the Delafield Brewhaus Banquet Team at (262) 646-7821 Ext. 103 to check availability.

3. How Much Does the Venue Cost?

Sticking to a budget is vital to ensuring a successful event. Make sure to inquire about the deposit, cancellation fee, and any extra charges the venue may have.

4. What are the Technical Capabilities?

No matter the type of business event, it’s likely that you will need audio or visual equipment. Our facility is multimedia ready and fully equipped to make your presentation a success.

5.  What is the Catering Situation?

Food and drink is always an important part of events. To make the planning a little easier, ask if a location has on-site catering. We offer a variety of dining options and create specialty menus for our private dining events. So whether hosting a corporate lunch or an all-day conference, we have delicious food—and tasty beer—to keep your guests happy.

6. Is the Venue Easily Accessible?

Making the trip to the conference location as easy as possible will make your attendees extremely grateful. Located just off I-94 W, midway between Milwaukee and Madison, the Delafield Brewhaus is easy to get to and won’t require your guests to make an uncomfortable trek.

7. Are Decorations Allowed?

Most events like to incorporate decorations and branding—especially if sponsors are involved. We want to make sure your event looks amazing just as much as you do, so feel free to ask us how to take your event to the next level.

8. What Does Staffing Look Like?

To make your business event run as smoothly as possible, always talk with your venue to inform them of any assistance that is required prior or during the event. Whether it is assistance with your set up or directing people to the nearest restroom, be upfront about what you need from the venue’s staff. Another good idea is to check if there is an on-site dedicated venue coordinator to assist with any issues that arise.

9. Are There Any Nearby Accommodations?

If your guests are from out of town, providing suggestions to nearby hotels will help their trip run smoothly. Close to the Delafield Brewhaus, you can find accommodations such as: The Delafield Hotel, AmericInn Hotel & Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and others.

10. What is the Venue’s Reputation?

Asking what types of events a venue frequently hosts and if they are capable of hosting yours, is an important step to finding the perfect location for your business event. The Delafield Brewhaus has frequently hosted a number of events, including corporate lunches, company events, business meetings, corporate conferences, and breakfast meetings.

While it is easy to get wrapped up in the planning for a professional event, don’t make things harder than they have to be. With this list of 10 essential questions to ask a potential venue, you’ll be sure to identify the perfect location. To see if we’re your perfect location, please call the Delafield Brewhaus at (262) 646-7821 Ext. 103 or visit our website at http://www.delafield-brewhaus.com/private_dining.html for more information.

Don’t Let Your Productivity Go Out to Lunch

When is the last time you took 30 min (or even an hour) to step away from your desk and eat lunch? If you are like most people, it has probably been awhile. In fact, a study by Right Management showed that only 1 in 5 people step away for a midday meal. The other 4 people are staying static and eating at their desks. In the fast paced world we all work in, the pressure to perform and be as efficient as possible leaves a majority of us working every second, with no time for a meal. However, several studies show that this habit is actually crippling our creativity, productivity, and innovation.

In an interview with Kimberly Elsbach, a professor at the University of California, regarding workplace psychology, she states that, “Staying inside, in the same location, is really detrimental to creative thinking.” Elsbach goes on to explain that this static work environment inhibits the brain from fully cycling through and arriving at an “aha!” moment. In today’s economy, a business’s success is highly dependent on its employee’s ability to produce innovative, productive ideas.

Does your workplace culture involve a majority of people eating in the same place that they work? Elsbach claims that to make a change, management needs to “create a community around the idea.” Delafield Brewhaus is excited to help foster a new culture for your business with a group dining experience. Don’t stress about the details. We have countless years of experience with planning and hosting events and can easily help you with size, food, drinks, and technical setup of the room.

Be the difference for your office. Kicking off a campaign to refresh your midday work culture at Delafield Brewhaus will pay big dividends for your total creativity, productivity, and effectiveness. Soon you will have employees taking the mental break they need to make your business the best it can be.

It’s time to make the organizational culture shift. Call the Delafield Brewhaus Banquet Team at (262) 646-7821 Ext. 103.