(Minneapolis, MN) – Just received this statement from Surly Brewing, a follow-up to comments that Founder and Owner, Omar Ansari, made during a talk at SAVOR earlier this month.
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Surly has narrowed its list of potential locations for its new brewery to just a handful of options spanning three different cities. In Minneapolis, Surly has two locations on its short list, including a property somewhat near to the University of Minnesota and another location in the Harrison neighborhood, which has publicly courted Surly to be part of its ongoing developments.
Brooklyn Center, the current home to Surly Brewing Company, has proposed options that are the subject of ongoing discussions. In the last couple of weeks Surly has also been approached by another innersuburban location that is substantially larger than the brewery plans, and may change the project scope, but is considered a short list option too.
We are making great strides, but a formal announcement – after due diligence — is still months away. As Surly has said in the past, this is a 100-year decision and location and viability is absolutely key, so it does take time.
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The Star-Tribune has a few more details on the story.
8.5 acres seems huge, especially in the Mpls core. I wonder if Surly isn’t biting off more than they can chew.
Hmmmm, if I was the owner of a company looking to purchase or lease a a property in a large transaction – I wouldn’t be too happy of our “Real Estate Adviser” was publicly saying my desires were….
“wishful thinking from an eager business owner”.
AND…..
“That’s…an optimistic entrepreneur not knowing what all goes into the sausage making of a commercial real estate transaction,”
Even if it were true a) it’s your client and you don’t publicly disparage them b) it weakens your position in negotiations as it paints a picture of you not understanding the process.