About

Our Story

Two friends got together

and opened a brewery in 2015.

Monnik Beer Co.

Partners Brian Holton and Ian Luijk share a passion for hospitality and great beer while bringing their own specialities to the business.  In 2011, Brian opened Danville, Kentucky’s first brewery, Beer Engine.

During this time, he met Ian, a transplant from Holland and a general contractor and together they dreamed about opening a second location in Louisville.

They moved into the Schnitzelburg neighborhood and opened the doors to Monnik Beer Co. in 2015.

Our values

Monnik, the Dutch word for monk, embodies the intense focus and diligence we bring to our craft.

Monnik is a values driven company and these values reflect our culture, steer our decision making and cultivate a sense of community within the company.

We want to create a place where people are welcome, goodness is celebrated and long-standing impact is prioritized.

Our community

Our love for our neighborhood and community drives everything we do. From families to our regulars to those stopping in for a beer after work, we want to be a part of your life.

The building we chose for Monnik has a history of doing just that. The corner of E. Burnett Ave and Hickory St. had its beginnings as the first built site for Heitzman’s Bakery.

The bakery began construction in 1923 and opened on November 7, 1924. Charles Heitzman built the large building, but he retained only a small portion for his business, renting out the remainder of the building to companies like Kroger Grocery.

Heitzman's bakery business would continue to grow and would in time implement the entire building.

Meet our team

Brian holton

Owner

Brian started homebrewing circa 2005 and quickly fell in love with the idea of opening his own brewery. In 2011 Brian opened Beer Engine, a tiny pub in Danville, Ky, which led to opening Monnik in Louisville in 2015. He now oversees operations at our brewpub. Brian likes reading, punk music and his family.

Mark Messina

General Manager

Mark was born in Louisville and raised in Nashville. He has worked in restaurants since 2007, starting as a server and working his way up through every position prior to becoming the General Manager at Monnik. He loves any kind of sport and in his free time you can find him watching sports or traveling with his Fiancee.

Buddy McHagan

Head Brewer

After buying his first homebrew kit in 2007, Buddy began to dream of someday brewing professionally. In June 2020, the opportunity presented itself to pursue that dream with Monnik Beer Co. under the tutelage of Scott Hand. Buddy is now an owner at Monnik and oversees all brewing operations, taproom chalkboard art, and cat caregiving. When he's not brewing, he enjoys cooking, playing music, and above all else, being with his family.

Francie Prestigiacomo Wilder

Prep Cook Manager

Francie has been cooking professionally over fifty years. As a past restaurant owner, she has been happy to call Monnik her home since its beginning. She finds managing the food prep team the perfect job for her. She enjoys eating out and chilling with her animals.

Rocky

Brewery Pest Manager

Rocky joined the team from the Humane Society after a hard life on the streets. He enjoys catching mice and birds, schmoozing with the neighbors on Sylvia St, and lounging in the sun.