behind the beer

Podcast Feature: Living a Stout Life

We had the opportunity to sit down with Ken and April Pishna, the creatives behind the Living a Stout Life podcast. During their time in Sioux Falls, we talked over some beers about Severance, why we do what we do, the Sioux Falls craft beer scene, and a whole bunch in between.

Listen to the end to find out what style of beer we think would best describe each other—a fun little activity you should do with your friends, partner or spouse. The results may surprise you!

Ken and April have a great story about severing ties in their own life when they decided to take their lives on the road in an RV and start a travel and beer blog and podcast. (Maybe a story for the next Severing Ties Spotlight, eh?!)

Podcast Feature: Booze Brews & Reviews

We recently sat down with the guys of the Booze Brews and Reviews podcast to talk about brewery fails, how we started, how we pivoted and made a major investment at the height of the pandemic and gave a little background story on a few of our most popular beers including: Love Notes, DB Cooper’s Big Jump, Koala Drop Kick IIPA, Amber Alexander, and Smōktoberfest. Tune in here or click ‘play’ below and laugh along with us:

Ep. 153 – Severance Brewing Taproom Takeover

Severing Ties Series: Kota Cafe

This year we kicked off our Severing Ties Series Spotlights! These spotlights are a chance for you to nominate someone you know who has “severed ties” in their life in a significant way.

We recently received a nomination for a new local food truck in the Sioux Falls area. (Seriously, the food truck scene here in Sioux Falls is 🔥🔥🔥. )

Hearing about Renee’s story made us want to learn more, and we can’t wait to share it with you! So without further ado, please enjoy this story about taking a risk and pursuing a passion—exactly what Severance Brewing Co. is all about…

My name is Renee Standish and I own Kota Café. I live here in Sioux Falls with my Fiancé, four children (two girls and two boys), two dogs and two cats. Not only do we have the food truck up and running, we also have apartment rentals, Airbnb's and he is also building a twin home here in Sioux Falls. We are kind of busy.

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a restaurant. You know those cafes you see in small towns where everything seems to be made from scratch with love? That is my dream! In this day and age, it is so expensive to get into that type of business and a lot of them don't make it past the first year.

Pursuing a Dream

We have had the idea of starting a truck for a couple of years (we meaning Travis and I) and decided it would be a great economical way to see if we could make it work. If I am successful on a truck, I could possibly be successful in a restaurant as well. Once I jumped on board with the food truck idea and knowing I would still be making my food from scratch, it was game on! I started looking for a truck and brainstorming what I would serve on it.

I bought my truck the beginning of April, had my son the end of April and took that time off to get all licenses that were required, get the truck set how I wanted it, develop my menu and give it a trial run.

At this point, I fully intended to go back to the 8-5, until I started working the truck in the real world. The amount of support and positive feedback I have received is unbelievable!

I always thought my food was good, but I am a little biased! After just six weeks of being up and running and to see some of the same faces show up at the truck, more than once and where ever I am located, tells me it might not be half bad.

Ditching the 8-5

With all that being said, I knew I couldn't commit to a full time job outside of our life, and do anything justice. I decided to focus my energy on my family and what I need to do for them. Go big or go home! I gave up a salary, benefits, health insurance and air conditioning, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The true joy I feel when I am cooking someone dinner or frying those fries, even when it is 100 degrees in the truck, is now something I wouldn't trade for the world!

I have never been happier! I know in my heart I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and I hope my children see me following my dreams and never hesitate to follow theirs!

Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!

Severing Ties Series: Jason Janssen

As part of 2021 American Craft Beer Week, we are kicking off our first ever Severing Ties Series Spotlight! We are thrilled to introduce you to local craft beer lover, Jason Janssen!

Jason recently shared: "Today I made a choice... I chose uncertainty, I chose discomfort, I chose more work for less pay, I chose to listen to my heart and follow my dreams, and I chose to serve others over everything else. Today, I was given the opportunity to join Sioux Falls Fire Rescue as a full-time, career firefighter, and will begin the 16 week academy this summer as a firefighter candidate. I am excited to start this chapter of my life and I have two goals going in:

1- I want to be able to say, with certainty, that I was able to help others.
2- I want to have fun!"

THIS is what Severance and "severing ties" is all about. Congrats Jason! We are so excited for your new venture and wish you all the best as you change directions and pursue a life more fulfilled in serving others!

Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!