City of Sheboygan looking for new operator of Kiwanis Park Beer Garden
The operator of Der Sheboygan Biergarten decided not to renew the contract with the city
SHEBOYGAN — The future of the Kiwanis Park Beer Garden is uncertain after the operator of Der Sheboygan Biergarten decided not to renew his contract with the city.
Der Sheboygan Biergarten opened in 2019 after the City of Sheboygan awarded John Powers of Whitefish Bay the contract to operate a beer garden at Kiwanis Park. Der Biergarten was inspired by a specific beer garden in Germany.1
The beer garden has been a victim of flooding due to its location near the Sheboygan River. Der Biergarten was affected by flooding in 2019, 2020 and 20242 which resulted in the closure of the concession stand for several days. In 2020, the beer garden was closed the entire season due to COVID-19. It reopened in 2021 with limited hours.
Powers had concerns with the contract with the City of Sheboygan.3 One of the conditions was closing the Biergarten during Hmong Summer Festival in July and Brat Days in August, which was leading to lost revenue according to Powers. The City of Sheboygan is considering a second beer garden at Deland Park, something Powers disagrees with according to a memo from the Department of Public Works. “Mr. Powers stated over the phone the City would not be able to support two Biergartens and it would greatly hurt his business,” stated the DPW memo.
Powers decided not to renew the contract to operate Der Sheboygan Biergarten.
DPW officials believe the beer garden is a valuable gathering place for the community and are working to find a new vendor for the spot. It is not clear if officials will find a new operator in time for the beer garden for the upcoming summer season which begins Memorial Day weekend.
Sources
Der Sheboygan Biergarten will open at Kiwanis Park on May 25
The Sheboygan Press
Sheboygan DPW Memo on Sheboygan Biergarten Contract Renewal
sheboyganwi.gov