Back Channel Brewing Opening in Spring Park, MN

Back Channel Brewing Collective is set to open this summer in Spring Park on Lake Minnetonka. The brewery will be the first on the upper lake and will feature beer produced with ingredients from local maltsters and sustainable farms. The taproom will include indoor and outdoor patio space with a beautiful view of the lake and the future possibility of transient boat slips.

Over the last few months the crew has been transforming the former Family & Cosmetic Gentle Dentistry building at 4787 Shoreline Drive in Spring Park into a lakeside destination for beer, craft sodas, and cold press coffee on nitro using locally-roasted coffee beans. Food will be available from local restaurant partners Dakota Junction and Minnetonka Drive-In—delivered by golf cart, as well as offerings from other Spring Park, Navarre & Mound establishments. The brewery is also working with the city to allow for food trucks during special events and the drive-in’s off-season.

“We’re excited to bring quality beer and an inviting place to gather on this side of the lake,” said Josh Leddy, co-owner of the brewery and owner/operator of Life’s a Beach Shoreline Service on Lake Minnetonka. “It’s really about the community to us—we’re partnering with local businesses and vendors as much as possible to help create an experience that is second to none.”

Other owners include Melissa Langseth, Matt “Olie” Olson, and Joe Meehan, who helped build other local breweries. All live and work in the area.

“I grew up here and we live in the area now so I couldn’t think of a better place to do this. We envision it as a place to meet friends and neighbors on your way home from work or when you’re out boating; a place to kick back, relax and enjoy this amazing place we live in,” said Melissa Langseth, a 2002 graduate of Mound Westonka.

“We’re very fortunate to have landed in such a unique location with an even better community,” said Leddy. “We want this to be a positive experience for everyone, and can’t wait to share our hobby-turned-passion with the west side of the lake.”

A grand opening celebration will be announced in the coming months. A boat density study will need to be completed to determine if lake users will be able to safely navigate via boat, paddle board, canoe, or kayak.