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Trampled by Turtles at First Avenue, 2013. Emily Dunker.

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Duluth brewpub Fitger’s headed to Minneapolis

A big taste of Duluth is headed to downtown Minneapolis.

Rod Raymond and Tim Nelson, co-owners of Duluth’s landmark Fitger’s Brewhouse, are purchasing the historic North Loop building that last housed Trocaderos (107 3rd Av. N.) and plan to open a branch of their 19-year-old brewpub. “Our goal is to bring a taste of northern Minnesota to heart of downtown Minneapolis,” said Raymond.

The basic plan is to feature six to eight house-brewed ales, along with food and live music, in a dramatic setting; the brewery will be built around the former Trocaderos stage, and the roomy music listening room is going to be re-christened the Beer Hall. “We’re going to rock out right in the brewery,” said Raymond. “You’ll be able to hear an eclectic mix of music while you’re sipping one of our blueberry porters or our Starfire pale ale. It’s going to be great.”

One tiny hitch: The brewery won’t be up and running for the first six months of operations. Until then, the bar will import Fitger’s brewmaster Dave Hoops’ top-rated Duluth-made ales. “You can count on Dave Hoops to put out some pretty damned good beers,” said Raymond. “And we’re going to have guest taps of all the locally made beers that we love — Summit, Fulton, Surly — so we’ll be a full ale house when you get there.”

via StarTribune