'Loop Brewery' wins business competition

Monday, June 14, 2010
Hormel Business Plan Winner Tyler Loop accepts an award from Hormel Family Foundation board members Ben Hormel Harris, left, and MarySue Harris, daughter of the late Ben Hormel.

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Hormel Business Plan Competition, in partnership with Invest Nebraska Corporation, launched its fourth annual Business Plan Competition in McCook on the campus of McCook Community College on Friday. Four finalists competed for the chance to win a $25,000 equity investment, and one diligent McCookite went home with the prize.

Tyler Loop convinced the panel of eight judges that his idea for "Loop Brewery" in downtown McCook was the most promising business plan presented. The proposed business will derive a substantial portion of revenue from retail sales of craft beer for on-premises consumption. Tyler and his wife, Tyler Sue, will own and operate the business.

"The competition was very exciting for us, as it was the first time we informed the public about our aspirations to start a brewery," said Loop. "We have already received tremendous support from the community. This is a huge step in the right direction for us. It has given us the confidence to move forward and hopefully it will show other potential lenders and investors we can do it," he added.

Hormel Family Foundation board member Ben Hormel Harris agreed that Tyler's business plan had what it took:

"We were extremely pleased with the very high quality of the finalists in this year's competition. We are thrilled with Loop Brewery's entrepreneurial plan and we are really excited to partner with Tyler to build another great McCook business."

Technically a brewpub, Loop Brewery will offer fresh micro-brewed beer. Other items on the proposed menu are Panini sandwiches, burgers, and homemade root beer on tap. As stated in their business plan, the Loops will install a 7-barrel system that will be visible through glass windows behind the bar, allowing people to see the brew set-up and the people working on it. Unlike most bars, Loop Brewery will close at 11 pm to promote an atmosphere where customers respect well-made beer and do not indulge in binge drinking.

According to Loop, craft beer sales were up 10.3 percent in 2009 despite a 2.2 percent slump in overall domestic beer sales. Brewpubs are gaining popularity, yet the closest one to McCook is located in Kearney.

The Loops will receive the $25,000 investment in exchange for a minority stake in their company. They hope to complete building renovations and open their doors in the fall of this year.

Inspired by the Hormel Business Plan Competitions, Invest Nebraska Corporation (an entrepreneur investment organization partnering with the Hormel Family Foundation) has committed to offering the same type of new venture competitions across the state. Last year, INC hosted five regional competitions as well as an "East2West" competition, in which entrepreneurs could compete with propositions that are based anywhere in Nebraska. The same is planned for this year, with the East2West Competition taking place in Omaha in November. Visit www.investnebraska.com for more information.

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