Our Story — Brewery Emperial
Keith Thompson, sage and talented brewer, spent a career in great beer establishments before realizing he & his wife, Julie Thompson’s dream. As a dishwasher at Free State Brewery in Lawrence, KS, Keith was inspired to follow his (generous) nose from malted grain and hops through such fine brewpubs as 75th Street Brewery in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, now defunct River Market Brewing Co, and for many years at McCoy’s Public House in Westport entertainment district, also in Kansas City. Through those times he met what would become the dream team that would go on to open the now infamous brewery Emperial. Ted Habiger, renowned chef and owner of the fine restaurants Room 39(39th street corridor, KCMO) and Room 39 Mission Farms (Leawood, KS) and more recently Sasha’s Bakery(9th & Baltimore, KCMO), met Keith at 75th Street where they began in the same server training class. Around the same time Keith began his career in brewing(moving into the brewhouse as an assistant), Ted began his career in the kitchen eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine at Kansas City’s acclaimed Cafe Allegro, and later mastering his craft as Sous Chef at Union Square Cafe in NY before returning to KC to open his own brasseries. Keith’s time at McCoy’s Public House and Brewkitchen put him in the room with Rich Kasyjanski, Keith and Ted’s partner in bE. Rich was a front of the house wizard who could charm the devil and keep guests glasses filled and spirits up. Reconnecting after Keith & his wife Julie began putting together their dream board, this amazing group put together a Kansas City legend that inspires foodies, beer nerds, hipsters, and ilk of all variety to enjoy supreme quality in a relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor space, check. Wood burning cooking hearth, check. Roasting meats, check. Some of the best beers you’ll ever find, ( that’s anywhere)… HUGEMONGOUS CHECK. Ladies & Gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to our show. Enjoy!
https://www.breweryemperial.com/our-story
