New pub brewing in Barrington

What started as a beer brewing hobby for a pair of Lombard brothers more than 10 years ago has turned into a growing business about to expand in Barrington.

Will and James O'Brien are expecting to open Flesk Brewing, a taproom and beer brewery next month in Barrington's Ice House Mall. "The location is perfect," Will said of the establishment expected to seat about 75.

The business partners first launched their operation in a small warehouse about four years ago in their hometown. They brewed, distributed and bottled beer that they sold to commercial customers. "We outgrew our space quickly. We quadrupled in size within the first six months," Will said. Looking back, Will says they wished they would have initially included a brew pub with their business.

"We got into the business when the brewing industry was just starting," he said.

They recently closed the Lombard location to prepare the new establishment that is well received in Barrington. "Peg Blanchard, the village's director of economic development, was so encouraging," Will said. He added that they have all the equipment, but the build out is taking longer than they had anticipated.

Will, who recently moved to Woodstock, said the establishment will house 10 taps and also serve wine and nonalcoholic drinks. Initially there will not be a kitchen, so customers are able to order in food or bring their own.

The initial idea for the business developed shortly before Will graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago after studying political science. His brother James attended the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago in 2010 and then went to its sister school - Doemens Academy - near Munich, Germany, to study beer making.

They grew up with three other brothers, who all shared a room, and graduated from Willowbrook High School. Their brother, Peter, is a carpenter and building the bar and tables at Flesk Brewing.

The name of the business stems from ghost stories their father told them about Flesk Castle in Killarney, Ireland, said Will, who is the oldest of the five brothers. He said their father toured Ireland when he was 18 and would often tell them stories. Will, 36, said they wanted a name that was different and stood out, comparing it to the beer they serve.

Motorcycle expansion

The Windy City Motorcycle Company is expanding and acquiring three dealerships in Woodstock, McHenry and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Ozzie Giglio and his wife, Jill, started the company in 2001 with Wild Fire Harley-Davidson in Villa Park, employing 14 people. In the last 16 years, WCMC has grown to 10 dealerships that employ more than 400 people.

"Our company has helped to breathe life back into the Harley-Davidson brand," said Ozzie Giglio, who is a passionate Harley rider as well as former U.S. captain in the Navy. "Our business model has been simple but effective. We help underperforming dealerships and struggling entrepreneurs to achieve financial strength.",

COD selection made

Brian W. Caputo has been chosen as the new vice president of administration and treasurer at College of DuPage, subject to board of trustees approval.

Caputo is currently the chief financial officer, city treasurer for the City of Aurora, a position he has held since 1998.

Previously, he was the director of finance, treasurer for the village of Mount Prospect and assistant director of finance for the villages of LaGrange and Hoffman Estates. He also worked as an auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Chicago.

Deal complete

Rosemont-based Lee & Associates represented the seller of a 28,550-square-foot industrial building at 875 N. Lively Blvd. in Wood Dale.

Weld Seam Inc. acquired the property from Buy-Rite Wholesale.

Jeff Janda and Mike Plumb, both principals of Lee & Associates, represented the seller in the recent transaction.

The buyer in the agreement was represented by John Hamilton of CBRE.

Renovations finished

The Missner Group in Des Plaines said it completed renovations for Illinois Bone & Joint Institute at 9000 Waukegan Road in Morton Grove.

The Missner Group finished the 24,000 square foot build-out on the facility's second floor, which included the additions of a new x-ray room and procedure room.

The remodel also included adding new medical office space and the installation of new carpet and paint throughout.

A leader in orthopedic care in the area with more than 20 locations, IBJI specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.