People

Questioning the Locals: Jonathan Christiansen

free-wheelin' discussion with local folks

V1 Staff, photos by Timothy Mather |

Jonathan Christiansen usually has beer on the brain as Head Brewer of Zymurgy Brewing Co. in Menomonie, but when he's not brewin' away, he's out and about in the Chippewa Valley. A disc golf-lovin' lad and avid supporter of the local arts scene, there's a heck of a lot more to Jon than his venture with Zymurgy (although, we can all agree, Zymurgy is pretty awesome).


I LOVE MENOMONIE FOR MANY REASONS, AND ONCE I MOVED HERE IN 2010, I KNEW I WOULD BE A RESIDENT FOR A LONG TIME.

What is your occupation?

Head Brewer at Zymurgy Brewing Co.

What’s your passion?

Beer! Belgian and German are my favorite. Also, my partner Chelsea and I are passionate about the environment; for instance we try to be as zero waste as possible in our business operations. Our spent grain goes to a local farmer, and we are in the process of having installing a large solar array by spring time.

What place in town considers you a “regular”?

The Waterfront. The Coop as well. 

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley?

(We need) more greasy-spoon, late-night breakfast joints.

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area?

Actual affordable housing.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?

English Burger from Log Jam.

What’s your favorite local festival?

Blue Ox! We've gone to most years.

Southside or Northside?

Southside because Tropic Waters is there.

What was your last encounter with the police department?

I just dropped a purse off that I found in the street at the police department.

Jon’s Shoutouts

Wakanda Disc Golf Course. “Big shout out to our local disc golf group MADGO for the upkeep and maintenance of ALL of the local courses here in Dunn County. Nothing beats a local beer and playing a round with good friends at any of the courses in Chippewa Valley."

Jake’s Supper Club. “Shout out to Jake's Supper Club for having the best prime rib and brandy old fashions in the region. The tiki bar outside is also a great place to see live music in the summertime."

Menomonie Market food co-op. “For being one of the best co-ops in the state! We are also excited for their expansion into Eau Claire with Just Local Foods."

The Waterfront. “One more shout out to The Waterfront for that “home-town” bar feel. They always make you feel welcome and their fish fry is delish. I know I have a whiskey press with bitters coming up shortly after I walk through the door."