ROSCOMMON – The beer is brewing, the staff is hired, and the final touches are being applied. Welcome to the Irish Kilt Brewery of Roscommon!
Owners Jim and Carrie Perialas have been working hard to bring this long-awaited brewery to life. A project of this scale hasn’t come without its challenges.
“If I had hair, I’d be pulling it out!” Jim joked.
From securing the proper liquor license to deciding what kinds of brews and beverages to offer, the Perialases have faced plenty of hurdles. Jim, along with architect and project manager Tom O’Brien, have overseen the physical construction, while Carrie has been busy researching mugs and growlers, connecting with artisans, and gathering unique interior design ideas.
Their management team includes Matt Meyers and Laurie Harteau, with Eric Stenson serving as head brewer. Brew team members also include Garrett Wichinski and retired Roscommon High School math teacher Todd Hofer. Together, they’ve visited breweries around the state, gathering ideas and learning from others in the industry.
In 2023, the Roscommon County Economic Development Committee, led by Brenda Bachelder, commissioned Michigan State University to conduct an economic impact study. Communities were asked to identify their assets—lakes, rivers, restaurants, parks, museums, and trails.
A team from MSU spent four days in the county hiking, canoeing, biking, shopping, and dining. Roscommon received high marks, but two gaps stood out: a lack of hotels and the absence of a brewery. The team noted that after a day enjoying the area, they wanted a local brewery to relax in. The closest one was 15 miles away in Grayling.
Breweries, the study pointed out, are often a key asset to tourism and economic growth.
Roughly a year ago, Brian Burns, landlord of the former Chase Bank building, approached the Perialases about the idea of opening a brewery. “The rest,” as they say, “is history.”
The name “Irish Kilt” reflects Roscommon’s local heritage. In 1843, then-State Representative Charles O’Malley renamed the county Roscommon, inspired by the terrain’s similarity to Roscommon County, Ireland.
According to Carrie, the brewery is part of a larger vision:
“One of the goals for the Village Vault is to add to the concept that it’s a family place,” she said.
Located in the same building as the brewery are Rosco’s Coney and Coffee Shop, BC Pizza, Pappa’s Parlor and Ice Cream, and an arcade.
Entertainment plans include game nights such as bingo, paint ‘n’ sip, trivia, and more. The outdoor patio will offer views of the village gazebo across the street at the CRAF Center—an ideal spot to enjoy live music on Thursday evenings during the Summer, or just visit with friends.
In addition to craft brews, the Irish Kilt will offer handcrafted hard seltzers, hard ciders, alcoholic slushies, and non-alcoholic sodas. Brews will also be available in growlers for take-home enjoyment, including a specialty green growler for collectors.
The Perialases credit many people for bringing the brewery to life.
The physical bar was created by 40 Acre Woods Creations of Houghton Lake. A stained-glass shamrock window by Richard Hanley of Muskegon now adorns the space.
Roscommon native Vanessa Johnson, owner of VJ’s Sunshine Studio in Elkton, crafted a stained-glass kilt. A chainsaw-carved mascot named O’Brien, created by Saw Dust and Splinters of Houghton Lake, adds a touch of whimsy. General contractor Darrell Hall and finish carpenter Dale Ekdom handled much of the detailed construction.
The project is a continuance of Roscommon’s economic renaissance.
Over 30 years ago, when Jim and Carrie first moved to Roscommon, they found a community resistant to change.
“Local establishments didn’t support each other,” they were told. But that attitude has shifted over the past 20 years.
Business owners began supporting one another and reinvesting in the community.
Key figures in that change included Mark and Tracy Constance of Up North Voice, Bob and Kate Otwell of Bob’s Butcher Shop, Diane Suvada of Made Up North, John Bennick of Fifth Street Winery, and Don and Anna Sylvester, who remodeled the old Bradley’s Furniture building. Longtime staples like Bloomers Flowers, Green’s Tavern, and Gardiner’s Jewelry helped anchor the village during the transformation.
The Irish Kilt’s soft opening took place April 27 and featured a book signing by former Detroit Free Press sportswriter and author Keith Gave, who presented his latest work, “The Grind Line.”
The official ribbon cutting and grand opening is scheduled for May 10 at 3 p.m. It will follow the launch of the Roscommon Social District with a ribbon cutting at Roscommon Village Hall, then move to the Irish Kilt Brewery and finally to Pappa’s Ice Cream Parlor.
– Donna Thoma can be reached at [email protected]
