The Busted Cup Taproom & Meat Market Set to Open Aug. 3
Macomb's Newest Venue to Celebrate Official Opening with Ribbon-Cutting
The wait is over!
Macomb's newest venue, The Busted Cup Taproom & Meat Market, an extension of the Burlington, Iowa-based brewhouse, is opening Monday, Aug. 3 after renovations were recently completed to its Lafayette Street location, which was once the home of the locally-owned Forgottonia Brewery. The business will officially open its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. on the first Monday of the new month.
'The Busted Cup Taproom & Meat Market brings together exceptional craft beverages and locally produced meats in a welcoming college-town atmosphere. Rooted in the brewery's passion for quality and craftsmanship, the taproom offers guests a place to relax, connect and enjoy a unique experience,' said The Busted Cup's Marketing Director Megan Bell. 'The taproom features 20 rotating housebrewed beers and handcrafted keg cocktails, while serving classic cocktails and a selection of specialty shots. While the focus is on great brews and gathering with friends, guests can also enjoy a simple, high-quality food menu featuring build-your-own meat platters with locally produced meats from our sister company in Roseville, Illinois, paired with a variety of flavorful sides.'
Adjacent to the taproom, the Meat Market will offer handcrafted favorites including specialty bacon, summer sausages, beef sticks, and other locally produced smoked and cured meats, with rotating selections and seasonal specialties.
'We're excited to open our doors and welcome the community to experience everything The Busted Cup Taproom & Meat Market has to offer,' said owners Brandon and Kathy Bentz.
Business hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday; 4-9 p.m., Monday and Wednesday; and 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. The brewhouse is closed on Tuesdays. From noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, an official grand opening celebration will be held featuring complimentary samples, Busted Cup swag, an opportunity to challenge the brewer to a game of cornhole and giveaways throughout the afternoon.
The Bentzes opened The Busted Cup Brewhouse in the 700 block of Jefferson Street in Burlington in September 2023. The couple also owns Poppie's Specialty Market in the same building as their Burlington restaurant. In addition, they own and operate Fusion Tech in Roseville, which specializes in USDA-approved equipment (slicers, grinders, cutting tables and much more).
The building that houses the new Macomb brewery is owned by LKG, LLC. Lance Murphy of Macomb, one of the partners, told The Community News Brief in an interview in February they decided to purchase the Forgottonia building – what once was home to the well-known Rockin Robin's/ Rockin Records – from its former owners because Murphy and his colleagues are deeply rooted in the community, and felt strongly about preserving a local gathering space for years to come. Forgotonnia closed its doors Dec. 28, 2024 after a five-plus year run. They began looking for a business, preferably a restaurant or brewery, interested in leasing the place. The Busted Cup answered that call.
'As we searched for the right business to invest in, we knew we wanted something welcoming to all ages, space where families and kids could gather during the day, and adults could enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in the evening,' he shared. 'Our partnership with The Busted Cup felt like perfect timing. While we were looking to revitalize the space, they were seeking an opportunity to expand beyond their Burlington, IA home base. We're excited to partner with a respected local business.'
According to the Bentzes, the expansion into Macomb reflects The Busted Cup's continued growth and commitment to delivering authentic craft beer and a memorable taproom experience to the communities it serves.
'Opening in Macomb, Illinois is a big milestone for The Busted Cup,' they said in an earlier interview. 'We're excited to create a fun, relaxed taproom where people can gather, enjoy great beer and make new memories—just like we do in Burlington, Iowa.'
