SAUK RAPIDS - The groundbreaking was this (Monday) afternoon for the long-awaited Urban Moose Brewing Company in Sauk Rapids. Owner Roy Dodds says they've gutted the former American Legion building on Benton Drive, and he plans to be open by mid-summer.

He says they're planning several special design features.

The rooftop patio is going to be one of the most striking features, along with the grain silo out front. Colors and windows and things will change a little bit. On the inside you'll find a really cool comfortable dining area with a multitude of experiences, some soft seating, some bar seating...

Dodds says he'll have 12 craft beers, which will only be available at the brewery.

As a brew pub, which is what we are, we're considered a retailer. And, in Minnesota you cannot be both a wholesaler and a retailer. So, we will only be able to sell our beer on our property. But, we will have full bar, so liquor and wine as well. And that allows us to have our own restaurant on site.

Dodds says they will also have growlers available, which you can have delivered to your home through his other business Flying Pig Pizza.

The facility will also have a private event space, and Dodds says he's planning several special events.

Flying Pig Pizza in Sauk Rapids, which will also be moving into the new building - with an expanded menu.

Urban Moose Brewing Company will be open seven days a week.

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