Union 32 Craft House: No Ordinary Brewpub

DeliveryRank has the opportunity to chat with Carl Troje, Assistant General Manager of Union 32 Craft House, a Minnesota-born establishment that celebrates the state's rich brewing tradition. Featuring 32 self-serve taps of locally crafted beers—including their own house brews—Union 32 is a community hub known for its dog-friendly patio, weekly trivia nights, and lively, welcoming atmosphere.

What inspired the creation of Union 32 Craft House, and how did the concept of a self-serve beer wall featuring 32 local taps come about?

We have three great owners who originally met while volunteering at our children’s school. That shared experience sparked a friendship that eventually evolved into a business partnership. One of us, Dan, travels frequently, and during a trip to Chicago—followed by a visit to New York—he came across these innovative self-pour beer walls. He thought, “This is really cool. I’d love to bring something like this back home.”

When he returned, he shared the idea with the rest of us, and we all agreed it had potential. Dan also happened to be a passionate home brewer, often crafting beer with a close friend. He’s always had a love for Minnesota’s vibrant craft beer scene and noticed there were so many outstanding breweries right in our backyard. That’s when the idea truly took shape: we would create a self-pour beer wall that exclusively features Minnesota craft beers—and that’s how the concept for Union 32 was born.

With a focus on showcasing Minnesota's craft beers alongside your own brews, what criteria do you use to curate the selection for the self-serve beer wall?

At Union 32, we’re committed to keeping it local. There are so many incredible breweries right here in Minnesota that we’ve made it our mission to feature only Minnesota-made craft beers on our tap wall. As long as it’s brewed locally, we’re excited to showcase it.

Why Minnesota beers specifically? Well, the craft beer scene here has really taken off. While it might not be as nationally recognized as places like Colorado or Portland, Minnesota has developed a strong and passionate craft beer culture of its own. Minnesotans are incredibly proud of their state—we love to support local businesses and celebrate what makes our community unique. That local pride is a huge part of the draw. When people visit, they’re not just enjoying great beer—they're also supporting the talented brewers in their own backyard.

Events like Trivia Mafia and Initials Game are integral to your establishment. How do these events align with your vision for community involvement, and what has been the response from patrons?

I think the interactive elements really help draw people in—they align perfectly with our self-serve model. Since guests have to get up and move around, it naturally encourages conversation and connection. It creates this relaxed, social atmosphere where people engage not just with the beer, but with each other. That’s also why we incorporate things like trivia nights and the Initials Game—these interactive experiences are more than just fun; they’re part of what makes our space feel so lively and community-focused.

How have you seen consumer preferences in the craft beer industry evolve in recent years, and how does Union 32 adapt its offerings to stay current with these trends while maintaining its local focus?

When we first started eight years ago, during the initial boom of the craft beer scene, it was all about high ABVs—anything 7% and above was in high demand. People were really into big, bold beers. Hazy IPAs, West Coast IPAs—they were all the rage.

But as the scene has matured, we’ve seen a shift. While hazies and IPAs still hold strong, there's a growing appreciation for lower-ABV beers. Styles like wheat beers, lagers, pilsners, and kölsches are starting to gain momentum. It's been interesting to watch the evolution.

We work closely with our brewery partners to stay ahead of trends. They keep us informed about what's moving in their taprooms and liquor stores, and we use that insight to make thoughtful choices about what to feature on our wall. Staying connected to both the trends and our local community helps us keep things fresh and exciting.

Looking ahead, are there any upcoming initiatives or expansions planned for Union 32 Craft House that patrons can anticipate?

Not at the moment—we don’t have immediate plans to open another location. The goal is definitely there for the future, but right now, our focus is on continuing to grow with our community. We're committed to creating and maintaining an awesome space where people can come together, relax, and truly enjoy themselves.

If you would like to find out more about Union 32 Craft House, please visit https://union32crafthouse.com/