MoonRidge’s menu stays, with new things coming
Andrew Clement (left) and Nick Raap bought Moon-Ridge Brew Pub in Cornell, in June. They say they are the most excited about the opportunity, and have enjoyed meeting the customers who come through the business. Photo by Julia Wolf
By Julia Wolf
MoonRidge Brew Pub, a staple of the Cornell community, is now under new ownership.
The business, located at 501 Bridge Street, is known for its specialty pizzas and beer. New owners Nick Raap and Andrew Clement say that won’t change.
“We’re not really going to change the menu,” said Clement.
He says they will add to the menu, to incorporate their own twist to the offerings. They may try potential new menu items out as specials first, and if people like it, make them a permanent part of the menu.
“We’re going to be playing with a few recipes, but basically, all of the local staples are going to stay the same,” said Raap.
So far, the only change to the menu has been the addition of a chicken option for the taco pizza. Clement says they also plan to start offering medium-sized pizzas, in the future.
Raap also brings 10 years of homebrewing experience to the venture, and says he has an Oktoberfest for next year, in the works.
“We’re just going to bring some new stuff onto the taps,” said Raap. “Kind of try to expand that.”
He says people should keep their eye out for new and interesting options.
“Just a couple of good friends trying to make some beer and make some pizzas,” said Raap.
The two friends, along with Raap’s wife, all met working together at Home Depot in La Crosse, about eight years ago.
“We had been talking about starting a business together for a while,” said Clement.
Raap and his wife moved to Ladysmith, last year, and the discussion of starting a business together continued.
Clement says he was also looking to relocate to somewhere outside of La Crosse, and the circle he was searching for housing in, kept getting bigger, until he eventually stumbled upon Cornell.
“Through our talks and trials of figuring out what we wanted to do, we came here one night, had some beer, had some pizza and really loved it,” said Clement.
Not long after that, Clement says he noticed the “for sale” sign on the side of the building. With Raap’s homebrewing experience and Clement’s familiarity with the restaurant industry from previous jobs, they decided it was something to look into further.
“We are both prior military,” said Clement. “We’ve both been in management positions.”
He says that transfers well to the leadership they need to run a business.
So, the friends talked to the previous owners, Roger and Cindy Miller, and learned the backstory of Moon-Ridge and how much it means to them.
“We thought it’d be something that we wanted to carry on and continue,” said Clement. “You know, we love the atmosphere. We’ve grown to love the people in the town.”
Their first day open after taking over the brew pub, was June 28. Clement says the undertaking has been a lot of fun.
So far, Clement says his favorite parts of owning Moon-Ridge are meeting the people, starting to form friendships and learning about the area. He says he moved to Cornell, not knowing much about the area. Clement attended Country Fest the past 10 years, or so, but never made it farther north than that.
“I never knew this place was here,” said Clement. Raap agrees that the people make the brew pub an interesting venture. He says they’ve met Hollywood producers coming off of the Ice Age Trail, homebrewers, those who love racing and local brewers, who make the industry a fun place to operate in. He says the community has been very welcoming.
Clement says he also enjoys talking to people who are participating in a craft beer passport tours, visiting over 100 craft breweries across the state.
“Not all heroes wear capes, right?” said Raap, with a laugh.
Raap says community involvement is also important to them. He says they have been fortunate enough to already be a part of a number of community events, and since they are both veterans, Raap says they like to be heavily involved in the veterans’ community and across the state.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do with other local veterans,” said Raap.
Clement says they also have a great group of kids working at the brew pub, so they look forward to helping out the local schools, where they can, too.
Raap says there has been a learning curve around the rules and regulations they must follow.
“It’s a fun process though,” said Raap. “We’re just more excited for the opportunity, than anything else.”
He says the Millers built an incredible business and says they will consider it a success, if they can even fill half their shoes.
MoonRidge is open Thursdays and Fridays, from 4-9 p.m.; Saturdays, from noon to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 8 p.m.
More information is available online, at moonridgebrewery. com or on the business’ Facebook page.
MoonRidge’s menu will not see any drastic changes, but new owners Andrew Clement and Nick Raap say they plan to add items to the menu that showcase their personalities. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
