Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn, Jared, & Ben Brynildsen.
Hi Carolyn, Jared, & Ben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Jared Brynildsen comes from an entrepreneurial family with roots in the STL area (Alton, IL) – from paper routes and mowing lawns as a teen, to coaching and delegating to 4 younger brothers, his tenacity led him to join the US Army in 2004, ultimately leading to him becoming a Search and Rescue Blackhawk Pilot (Aeromedical Evacuation Officer).
Carolyn, an Air Force brat turned US Air Force Officer, met Jared while they were both deployed to South-Central Asia in 2012. They married in 2014 and started dreaming up business ideas. With assignments spanning across the globe (Asia to Europe), they often sought out local craft beer taprooms and coffee shops wherever they found themselves.
In 2016, they stumbled upon a self-serve craft beer taproom where they were stationed on Oahu, Hawaii, and were hooked on the concept. Jared’s hometown of Alton, IL was and continues to go through a small-town revolution where historic businesses continue to undergo renovation and new life with new businesses moving in. They found an old bank building, previously the Germania Bank at 617 E Broadway in Alton, IL, for sale which lent itself perfectly to not only a taproom but also (at Jared’s insistence) as a coffee shop.
Having zero experience, but passion and drive, they purchased the building and got to work on renovating it to fit their vision. Enter Benjamin Brynildsen, the tall redhead many who have visited Germania Brew Haus through the years may have encountered. The youngest of Jared’s 4 brothers, he leads with kindness and creativity, and was the store manager turned co-owner after years of blood, sweat, and tears.
Also an Alton native, Ben has kept Germania growing and thriving with new menus and recipes through the years. He and Jared adapted the Alton store’s service to become a drive-through when COVID forced us to close the self-serve beer taps and no one could enter the lobby. That flexibility to adapt to the situation led to the continued success of Germania despite the pandemic. Germania opened a second location in Godfrey in 2020, and subsequently East Alton and Jerseyville, IL in 2022, all with drive throughs.
Due to its growth, Carolyn left Active Duty in 2024 for the Reserves to allow her to focus more on Germania’s continued expansion and improvement. In late 2025, the ownership team accomplished a relocation of their Alton store to a custom-made building (built by Tardis Structures) that allows for a permanent drive through and more efficient operations so that they continue to thrive in Alton for many years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’ve learned to be adaptable and flexible, always trying to improve our products, processes, and flex with the market. COVID was the trickiest feat to overcome thus far. We had to put a curbside drive through in place, and thankfully the city of Alton was amenable given the circumstances. In the midst of having to close our beer wall (half of our entire business at that time), there was a lot of uncertainty. We remained committed to our coffee, our customers, and relied on the Lord to provide if that was His will. We’ve been able to rest assured that our plans are merely plans, and His will is what will happen. As owners, that allows us to do our best to pursue growth or partnership opportunities but to ultimately accept what happens as being meant to be…or NOT in the cards at this time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What should we know:
We are a family-owned and operated business, with 2 of our 3 owners being military veterans. We grew up in the St Louis Metro East and wanted to invest in where we’re from and create something that could not only serve the community but give back as well. In the past, we’ve partnered with local charitable organizations to ensure some of our profits are making it back to the community that’s investing in US. We continue to do so through round-up campaigns and special fundraisers at each seasonal menu launch.
What Sets Us Apart:
We have constructed our menu to meet customers wherever they are on their coffee experience – with a ‘sweet’ category, a ‘bridge’ category that’s a bit less sweet, and an ‘artisanal’ category which is espresso forward. This ensures no matter what your taste is, we have something for everyone.
Through the years, we’ve been able to make more and more of our own in-haus food, sauces, and syrups. We have a talented Chef and Menu Team that put together seasonal favorites and new flavors for our drinks and food menus – four times a year.
What are you most proud of brand wise:
We are humbled and thankful for the loyalty of our customers in each of our communities, and we attribute much of that loyalty to our friendly baristas that serve them daily. They are able to establish a connection with those coming through and are the faces that represent Germania every single day.
Offerings/Services:
We have our own app (Germania Brew Haus) where you can order ahead to skip the line. You can find it on the Apple or Google stores by searching “Germania Brew Haus.”
Each of our locations is drastically different in size and layout. We offer the same drink menu but have a more extensive food menu at our Alton & Godfrey locations, with plans to expand those of East Alton & Jerseyville to match soon!
Jerseyville is our largest store, and has an event venue (https://www.germaniabrewhaus.com/eventsmain) that you can rent for receptions, showers, graduation parties, corporate off-sites, etc. We also recently launched our online store, so that you can check out or order Germania merch from the comfort of your home (www.germaniabrewhaus.com/merch)
What’s next?
We’ve very recently underwent a huge undertaking in the relocation of our Alton store in order to could serve more people in the community more efficiently, with a drive through and rooftop patio that offers views of the Mississippi River and impressive Clark Bridge. While it was bittersweet to leave our original location on Broadway, we hope to build even more memories at our new Alton location at 211 Ridge Street, Alton, IL 62002. Of course, we’re always looking for ways to expand either in menu offerings, merchandise, or via opening a new location in a new community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.germaniabrewhaus.com
- Instagram: @germaniacoffeehaus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GermaniaBrewHaus
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/germania-coffee-haus-clayton-2
- Other: https://www.yelp.com/biz/germania-brew-haus-jerseyville?osq=Germania+Brew+Haus
