Our Story
Rare Bird’s mission to provide an unsurpassed dining and drinking experience in Traverse City began about two years ago when co-owners, Nate Crane and Tina Schuett, decided to follow their passions and open a brewpub and taproom totally unique to Northern Michigan.
When it opens, Rare Bird will have 35 total taps with 6-10 at a time pouring beer straight from Tina's brewhouse. Rare Bird beer will include malt and hops grown in Michigan whenever possible. Tina mainly focuses on American style ales but will also have a few European varieties in the ranks.
The remaining taps will pour rare beers from Michigan and around the world and there will also be a specialty bottle selection. Rare Bird has a full Class C liquor license which will allow us to have a full bar including wine, cider, mead and specialty cocktails.
The food menu features simple, familiar items served with a unique and exciting flair. The majority of our ingredients are sourced locally so our menu will rotate with the seasons.
From our intimate reclaimed wood booths to the relaxing lounge and German bier hall style seating, Rare Bird will be a space for everyone to feel comfortable.
Tina is originally from Wisconsin and discovered her love for great beer while living in Germany. A friend taught her how to brew while she was studying Biology at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and it became her favorite hobby. She brewed part time while she worked as a park ranger in California and New Zealand and while doing children's health research. But before long, she gave into her love of brewing and beer, making it her full-time job. It was that career choice that eventually led her to Traverse City, MI.
Nate was born and raised in Traverse City and returned home after college determined to make northern Michigan his permanent home. After a few years of working in the corporate world, he threw caution to the wind and began his quest to open his own brewery. Nate made a name for himself in Traverse City’s craft beer scene over the course of several years, but his dream really started looking like it might turn into a reality when he met Tina in the fall of 2011. They quickly discovered that they share rare birds and great beer as their common passions. With more than 13 years of experience between them and a genuine love for beer, they know Rare Bird Brewpub will be an experience unlike any other in northern Michigan.
If all goes well Rare Bird is aiming to open around December 1st of this year. With your help we can make Rare Bird take flight.
What We Need & What You Get
Although we have secured most of our financing, there are always unexpected costs in a project of this magnitude. The brewery is almost finished, we just need a little help to clear a couple more hurdles. We need at least $15,000 to make final purchases on items such as furniture, kitchenware, kegs and ingredients to brew our first batches of beer.
Most of the perks (on the right) will only be available through Indiegogo and once they're gone, they're gone! We will have exclusive single run pint glasses and shirts as well as Founding Memberships which will give donors amazing deals as a thank you for offering their support when we needed it the most.
The bigger the donation, the better the incentives, but EVERY DOLLAR gets us closer to our dream and we appreciate anything you can do! You can check out all the perks on the right.
To save on costs and make sure we’re using your contribution as efficiently as possible, we will only ship items if you specify that you want them shipped. Otherwise we’ll let you know when you can pick up your gifts. Of course, you could just come pick it all up when Rare Bird is open! Also, if your gift includes an article of clothing, please specify what size you would like.
The Impact
With your contribution, you will be helping Rare Bird take flight and open our doors. Traverse City has always been a supportive community and we are excited for Rare Bird to be a part of it. We are really close to having everything we need, but we need your help to get us over this last hill.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you enjoy craft beer as much as we do, please help us get the word out and make some noise about our campaign even if you can't donate. Don't forget you can 'SHARE' our story in your social media networks through the Indiegogo share link!
