History
1990
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill is founded. Rich Chapin is chosen as Head Brewer and begins converting his award-winning homebrew recipes for the pub.1991
With the Grand opening of Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill at 710 P St. on March 20, Lazlo’s is the first brewpub to open in Nebraska. Approximately 500 barrels (15,500 gallons) of Lazlo’s beer is sold.1996
Construction begins on a new fermentation cellar in the adjacent Coffee & Spice Building at 729 Q St.1997
Empyrean Brewing Co. becomes a separate finanacial entity from Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill. K & Z Distributing of Lincoln and Miller Brands of Omaha begin distributing Empyrean beer.1998
The brewery’s capacity is increased to 2,500 barrels (77,500 gallons) a year. Empyrean has 70 draft accounts in Omaha and Lincoln. Planning for bottling begins.1999
In February Empyrean ales begins bottling, becoming the first Nebraska craft brewery to bottle beer. Third Stone Brown, LunaSea ESB and Chaco Canyon appear on store shelves.2000
Capacity is increased again as Lazlo’s opens a second location in South Lincoln. Planning begins for a new brewhouse to increase capacity.2001
The new brewhouse begins operation. Empyrean is now the largest brewery in Nebraska. Dark Side Vanilla Porter is created.2002
Empyrean is the first Nebraska brewer to distribute statewide. Burning Skye Scottish Ale is created. FireWorks Restaurant is opened adjacent to the brewery.2003
Empyrean continues to grow throughout Nebraska, reaching west to Scottsbluff, north to Norfolk, east to Omaha and south to Beatrice.2004
Empyrean sells 2,850 barrels (88,350 gallons) of beer and has four brands among the top 20 best-selling craft beer brands in the state.2005
Ground is broken in Fremont and West Omaha for two new Lazlo’s locations, Empyrean sets a new sales record of 3,200 barrels (100,000 gallons).2006
Sales growth continues at a healthy pace. LunaSea ESB wins a silver medal in the Extra Special Bitter category at the 2006 World Beer Cup. Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill opens locations in Fremont and Omaha.