COLDEN BREWERY MIXES CRAFT BEER WITH COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Colden Brewery

618-973-8802

117 E. Broadway, Centralia, IL

https://www.facebook.com/ColdenBrewery/

Having merged his love for craft beer with his passion for Centralia, owner Ric Neikes has made Colden Brewery into a local hotspot and quality attraction in the city’s ever-growing downtown district.

Having introduced four craft beers on tap since opening in November 2025, Neikes said the response to both his business and homemade beers has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It has been really great. I thought I could be taking a gamble on craft beer. Come to find out, people here really enjoy it. It’s been great to watch people come in who typically only drink Ultra or Busch Light, but are willing to try other things,” Neikes said. “A lot of the times when people see I have beer that I’ve made personally, they will exclusively drink it. It seems like they enjoy supporting me, supporting this place, and like the beer that I make.”

Neikes said that opening a business in Centralia has been a longtime dream of his, adding that he is proud to take part in the ongoing growth and revitalization happening downtown.

“It kind of gives me goosebumps,” said Neikes. “It was such a dream when I first started. So, to see it come to fruition is really nice. It really shows that Centralia has a heart for people that want to make it a new kind of destination.”

Neikes said he has also enjoyed researching the history of the Colden Brewery building at 117 E. Broadway, as it carries a storied past in the community.

“I love having that history here and to be able to tell the story of this building. It was the Playhouse Theater, the State Theater, it’s been a cigar shop, it’s been a barber shop, and it’s been a newsstand,” Neikes explained. “I really enjoy telling that history of downtown that some people don’t remember because for 40 years this building was used for storage.”

While efficiently staffed with himself and another primary bartender, along with his wife Clarice, his sister Theresa Smith, and daughter Taylor, Neikes said he would be happy to review applications for those interested in learning the craft.

“I am always open to taking applications and talking to people,” Neikes said. “If the right person walked in here and said they wanted to be a brew hand, learn how to brew, or learn the workings of the business, I would love to have someone like that in here.”

As Colden Brewery continues to introduce new craft beers and expand services, having recently added pizza oven, Neikes said he has big ideas for the future but doesn’t want to rush the journey.

“After three years I would like to start distribution and start focusing on that. I want to look at really getting myself and my beer out there. Not all over, but throughout the Midwest,” Neikes said. “Instead of starting distribution right away, I want people to come here. I want them to see this place in person and hear my story.”

Neikes, who was introduced to craft beer during the pandemic by a friend, said he has enjoyed Colden’s journey thus far, and looks forward to further progress in the heart of Centralia.

“I enjoy what I do. Enjoy making craft beer,” he said. “It makes people happy. The atmosphere we try to provide here is comfortable and warm. We people to come in and be able to envision all that Centralia is, and all that it can be.”