At the age of 23, Ben Hanten knew he wanted to own his own business. With an old building suddenly available in downtown Yankton, he began dreaming of what could be placed there.
“I dreamt up a bar that was like nothing else in the area,” said Hanten.
Hanten opened his first bar in 2005, previously known as The Hugh Glass Bar, and it quickly established itself as one of the best bars in the region. Years later, he took his business in a new direction by becoming the brewery we know today, Ben’s Brewing Co.
“We’re all about brewing great local beer and providing excellent hospitality spaces,” said Hanten.
Ben’s Brewing Co. has grown beyond its roots by being paired with its brewing headquarters, Ben’s Brew Station. Home to a large taproom containing 28 tap beers, Hanten says he wants to continue to make this location a top tourist destination in the region.
Throughout eastern South Dakota, Ben’s Brewing Co. beers can be found in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. Get to know more about the brewmaster.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHICH STYLES OF BEER TO BREW?
I have no business partners, so virtually all of our growth is funded by sales at our taprooms. That means keeping a large variety of beer to suit everyone’s taste.
WHERE ELSE CAN WE FIND BEN’S BREWING CO. BEERS?
You can find West Side Park IPA, Kenny Pepper, Strawberry Blonde, Dakota Thirst, and Cashflow throughout eastern South Dakota.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I have always loved marketing, and this job allows me to test ideas on a daily basis. There is no end to the creativity we can design here—in our spaces, events, products, apparel, branding, and more.
ANY UPDATES WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
We started brewing in our new brewhouse that tripled our capacity, and we also just opened up an additional 2,500 square feet at the Brew Station to the public for a bigger game room.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN SOUTH DAKOTA?
I love that since I started in business, my commute has been about five blocks. And I love that no matter where I go in the state, I’m going to bump into someone I’ve crossed paths with along the way.
