About Us

ABOUT US

We like to say “it began with an immigrant and a dream…”

In 1870, Herman Berghoff arrived in the United States from Germany at the age of 17. Over the years, he proved himself to be an excellent entrepreneur, growing the popularity of the brewery, fighting Prohibition by brewing “near-beer” and Bergo soda pops (root beer), and turning his rejection for participation in Chicago’s World Fair into an opportunity by setting up a beer station just outside the Fair. Today, his name is most well-known for the 120-year-old historic establishment in Chicago, The Berghoff Restaurant.

In celebration of The Berghoff’s 120th anniversary and as a nod to its adventurous roots, The Berghoff decided to bring the family art of brewing beer in house.

"We like to think we're coming full circle," says Pete Berghoff, Herman Berghoff’s great grandson. "We feel The Berghoff is a special place filled with family and Chicago history. Why not really incorporate our roots?"

HISTORY

How it all started…

1870
1873
1882
1887
1893
1898
2018

1870

Herman Berghoff arrives from Germany. He takes on agricultural work and even does a stint for a Wild West Show.

1873

Henry Berghoff joins his older brother, Herman, in America. Together, they work and travel around the East coast, settling a year later in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Over the next several years, their younger brothers Hubert and Gustav made similar moves to Indiana.

1882

Herman and Henry become proprietors of East End Bottling Works

1887

The enterprising Berghoff brothers all work at a new brewery called The Herman Berghoff Brewing Company.

1893

Herman Berghoff sells his beer outside the Chicago World’s Fair

1898

Due to tremendous popularity from his World’s Fair stint, Herman Berghoff opens a cafe selling beers and sandwiches, which goes on to become a 40,000 sq. ft. culinary legend in the heart of downtown Chicago—The Berghoff Restaurant.

2018

Adams Street Brewery launches

BREW CREW

Adams Street Brewery is a continuing example of the Berghoff family’s dedication to employee excellence and loyalty. We’re all like family here.