Our History: The Story of Badger State Brewing

The story of Badger State Brewing began in 2012 when future head brewer and co-founder Sam Yanda started homebrewing in Green Bay as a way to unwind outside of work. His hobby quickly caught the attention of his cousin, Mike Servi, who became intrigued by the brewing process and started helping out on weekends. Soon after, their friend Andrew Fabry recognized the growing craft beer movement and proposed turning their shared passion into a business.

Sam, Mike, and Andrew developed a business plan, obtained the necessary permits, and in 2013, Badger State Brewing officially opened its doors—becoming the first brewery in Green Bay’s Stadium District.

Following in the footsteps of legendary breweries that started in garages and basements, Badger State quickly gained traction. The brewery expanded to meet demand, adding new brewing equipment and developing a space that could accommodate more visitors. By 2015, the brewery had become a true destination, welcoming both locals and travelers looking for high-quality, Wisconsin-made beer.

Located in a repurposed industrial manufacturing building from the 1960s, the brewery’s design pays homage to both its historic roots and modern craft brewing. The facility has grown to include a taproom, beer garden, and event hall, all connected to a 15,000-square-foot brewing space. The brewhouse now features a versatile lineup of systems—including 30-barrel, 15-barrel, and 7-barrel setups—allowing for a wide variety of beer styles, experimental batches, and large-scale production.

As we continue to grow, Badger State Brewing has expanded into new beverage offerings, including Stateside Seltzer, Underground Cider, and unique non-alcoholic drinks. Our lineup now features nearly two dozen Wisconsin-made beverages on tap, as well as bottled and canned options that highlight local producers. What was once an empty lot has transformed into an event destination, hosting everything from weddings and corporate gatherings to beer festivals and community events.

We are incredibly proud to support our neighborhood bars, restaurants, and local establishments that carry our beer. Whether you’re visiting us at the taproom or enjoying a Badger State brew at your favorite spot, we invite you to be part of our journey. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.