From Hospice Chaplain to Brewmaster A Quiet Place to Lift Your Spirits

In a world that rarely slows down, Upper Room Brewery offers Kearney something a little different: a place to actually hear yourself think. Owner and brewer Michael Freitag describes the goal simply. He wants to bring people together over unique, quality drinks in a pub where "the world's noise is kept to a minimum." Come in to laugh with friends, or settle in alone with a book or your homework. Either way, Michael hopes you'll leave with "a lightness of mood and a lifting of the heart." Upper Room is also a place to learn. Michael and his team love talking about the brewing process and helping guests find the beer that best suits their palate, whether you're a craft beer regular or trying your first pint.

Michael is a Nebraska native, though not originally from Kearney. He came here to work as a hospice chaplain, and he holds a master's degree in theology. His brewing story began in 2010, when his wife, Amy, gave him his first home brewing kit. By his own account, the first batch was "drinkable, anyway," but he was hooked. His hobby grew from the kitchen to the garage and, eventually, into its own brewery. Along the way, Michael became fascinated by how central beer and wine have been to the Christian tradition, from monasteries to feasts and celebrations. Upper Room Brewery brings those two passions together: great beer and Christian faith.

Michael co-owns the brewery with Dustin Favinger, whose background in marketing and business development at UNK helped turn a shared dream into a Kearney business. After a year of searching for a space, planning the buildout, and fine-tuning the business plan, Upper Room opened its doors.

Every Beer Has a Story

At Upper Room, the names on the tap list mean something. Many draw from Scripture, church history, and literature. A few favorites:

• My Beloved (Kölsch): Named for Michael's wife, Amy, after a line in the Song of Solomon: "My beloved is mine, and I am his." Crisp, light, and easy-drinking.

• Tulip (Belgian Golden Strong): A nod to the five points of Reformed theology. It's surprisingly easy to drink, so beware!

• 1420 (British Brown Ale): Inspired by a legendary year for beer in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

• The Glory Cloud (Hazy IPA): Named for the cloud that led the Israelites out of Egypt in Exodus. Don't let the haze fool you; it drinks like a glass of orange juice.

• Little Red (Cream Ale): Brewed with hibiscus flowers for a deep scarlet color in honor of the Huskers.

You'll also find beers named for Martin Luther, John Knox, G.K. Chesterton, and more. Read the story behind every beer at upperroombrewery.com.

The Busch Lite Convert

That mission of finding the right beer for every palate shows up in one of Michael's favorite memories. Shortly after Upper Room opened, a customer came in who wasn't a craft beer fan. He mainly drank domestics, Busch Lite in particular. Then he tried My Beloved, the brewery's Kölsch-style ale. He was hooked, and he's since tried everything on tap at least once.

If you think craft beer isn't for you, Upper Room would love the chance to change your mind.

The Owner's Go-To Order

When Michael sits down at his own bar, he usually orders a soft pretzel from Miss Cindi with a pint of stout or Kölsch. Hungry for more? Upper Room regularly hosts food trucks and serves personal-sized pizzas. You're also welcome to bring in or order in whatever you like. Check the brewery's Facebook or Untappd for food truck schedules. Want to take your favorite home? Growlers and four-pack cans are available to go, and you can arrange kegs ahead of time.

Why Kearney

"I love this community because it's got the small-town feel but with big city amenities," Michael says. When he's not brewing, you'll likely find him supporting the local scene by visiting Kearney's other craft beer spots.

Plan Your Visit

Looking for a quiet spot to unwind, catch up with friends, or discover a new favorite beer? Pull up a chair at Upper Room Brewery. Learn more, see the full beer lineup, and get in touch at upperroombrewery.com