Second Chapter Brewing: A New Chapter for an Ogallala Landmark
|
When husband and wife Richard Gibson and Lisa Kraus moved to Ogallala, they weren’t necessarily planning to open a brewery. They were looking for their next chapter.
Today, that next chapter can be found in the heart of downtown Ogallala, where the former Goodall City Library has been transformed into Second Chapter Brewing—a brewery, gathering place and celebration of the community’s history. For Lisa, brewing was already part of her family’s story. Her great-grandfather was part-owner and brewmaster at Hastings Brewing Company before Prohibition. Richard had been brewing beer as a hobby while living in Washington, D.C., and after the couple moved back to Ogallala to farm with Lisa’s family, he often wondered why the community didn’t have a brewery of its own. When the former city library became available, an idea began to take shape. |
|
A “Second Chapter” for a Building, Family and Community
The brewery’s name emerged as Richard and Lisa uncovered more of the building’s history. “Second Chapter” came to represent the transformation of the historic building, the repurposed items throughout the brewery, a new chapter for their family and, ultimately, a new chapter for the community. The decision to locate downtown was intentional. As Ogallala’s downtown continued to see progress through building renovations, new businesses opening and beautification efforts, Richard and Lisa saw an opportunity to contribute to that momentum. Their goal was to create a place where people could enjoy great beer while experiencing the character and history of a building that has served the community for nearly a century. 
From Vision to Reality
Bringing Second Chapter Brewing to life required more than an idea. Community resources, local partnerships and hard work all played a role. Lisa’s previous experience with Keith County Area Development (KCAD) helped the couple understand the resources available to local entrepreneurs, and they leaned on KCAD Executive Director Mary Wilson as a sounding board during the early stages of the project. LB840 economic development funding provided support for the project, while Tax Increment Financing (TIF) helped cover necessary infrastructure improvements. With assistance from KCAD Community Development Coordinator Molly Jeffres, the couple also secured a GROW Nebraska Grant, which helped fund amenities such as outdoor umbrellas and signage. The project wasn’t without challenges. As a husband-and-wife team with young children, Richard and Lisa have had to balance business ownership with family life, staffing and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities of running a business.Despite those challenges, their investment, determination and community support helped transform a challenging historic building into a thriving downtown business. 
|
Bringing a Historic Building Back to Life
Rather than compromise the building’s character, Richard and Lisa embraced its history. They spent nearly two years restoring the space, preserving original elements and bringing it back to its 1920s character. Richard tackled much of the demolition himself, uncovering original stamped-tin ceilings and other historic details. Throughout the taproom, books from libraries and furniture from universities pay tribute to the building’s past as both a library and schoolhouse. One of the most meaningful pieces they preserved was the original library sign. After decades outside and nearly black with tarnish, it was carefully restored and brought inside, where it has become a favorite photo spot for longtime residents. The building even revealed a surprise during demolition: an old coal room hidden behind what Richard thought was an exterior wall, still containing coal that had likely been there for several decades. 
More Than a Brewery
From the beginning, Richard and Lisa wanted Second Chapter Brewing to be more than a place to grab a drink. They envisioned it as a “third space” for the community. “My parents always talked about how they weren’t country club people, but they weren’t necessarily bar people either,” Lisa shared. “So we wanted to create that ‘in-between’ space for people to enjoy.” That vision has become a reality. Families gather there, friends reconnect, parents bring their children and visitors stop in while exploring Ogallala. For longtime residents who remember attending school in the building, seeing the restored space has been especially meaningful. The building’s history is also woven into the brewery experience, from card-catalog flights to the names of the beers. As Richard explains, “the building is very much a part of our product because it’s a part of the experience. We’re not just here to be a bar and serve beer—we’re here for the whole experience.” For Lisa, one of the most rewarding parts has been connecting with customers and visitors. “It’s wonderful to get to know our customers and to be embraced by this town and this community,” she said. She also enjoys meeting tourists and sharing what makes Ogallala special. Those conversations often extend beyond the brewery, introducing visitors to the local businesses, attractions and experiences that make the community unique. 
A New Chapter
Richard and Lisa encourage future entrepreneurs to prepare carefully before taking the leap. They recommend putting a business plan on paper, researching the numbers, understanding comparable businesses and making sure the finances are realistic. They also encourage entrepreneurs to lean on their networks and learn from other business owners. Second Chapter Brewing is ultimately a story about more than just opening a brewery. It's about recognizing an opportunity, investing in a hometown, preserving local history and giving an old building a new purpose. What was once a library—and before that, a schoolhouse and American Legion Hall—is now a place where community members gather and new memories are being made. For Richard and Lisa, it represents exactly what its name suggests: a second chapter. |
