"Kansas was one of the first states to pass Prohibition and one of the last to repeal it. In the 1980s, on-premises alcohol sales were still prohibited outside of private clubs, but Free State Brewing founder Chuck Magerl worked to change that. An early advocate of the local food movement, he envisioned local beer made with local wheat, enjoyed at your local restaurant. In 1989, Free State opened its doors and made Kansas history. Its popular beers are now available in stores throughout the region. The original location, a great place to catch a game of KU basketball, is still buzzing every night, serving up tasty pub fare and excellent craft beer to a devoted local following." - Erin Socha