Matt Wiegers
Founder, Owner Operator

Before opening Industry Ales, Matt spent a decade in retail management before making his way back into hospitality as a bartender, consultant, and creative mind behind restaurant bar concepts and beverage programs for beer and spirit brands. Alongside his wife and Industry Ales partner, Kelcy Hale of the Chicago Blackhawks, Matt helped build Industry Ales into a space centered around great beer, great food, and bringing people together.

Steven Kowaleski
Executive Chef

Chef Steven Kowaleski brings inventive elevations and playful twists to classic American bar cuisine. As a classically trained musician/composer, Steven extends his creative process into the culinary realm, speaking to his audience on a plate rather than a stage, blending timbres of flavor to evoke a warm sense connection and an emotional comfort that lingers and resonates with you after your visit is over. Chef shares his wide range of expression through curated multi-course experiences, sincere and wholesome bar food, and most importantly, his signature flower shirts.

Caution: Chef is 113 proof 56.5% ABV

Michael Gretz Jr.
Head Brewer

Originally from Philadelphia, Michael comes from a long line of beer brewers dating back to the 1800s. After earning his Master Brewer Certification from the World Brewing Academy in Munich, Germany in 2016, he relocated to Chicago and started brewing professionally. As Head Brewer, Michael focuses on crafting a variety of beers inspired by brewing traditions from around the world, all designed to pair perfectly with great food and good company.

Tracie Irvine

Director of Events

Part hospitality pro, part event strategist, part chaos coordinator, Tracie brings over 20 years of experience in events, marketing, and guest experience to Industry Ales. From private parties and corporate events to creative programming and partnerships, she loves creating experiences that feel thoughtful, seamless, and genuinely fun. With a focus on creativity, connection, and exceptional guest experiences, Tracie leads our events team with energy, personality, and a genuine passion for bringing people together.

Aleksys Barrera

Assistant General Manager

Originally from the Bay Area, Aleksys went from working a grocery store cheese counter to managing one of Chicago’s busiest brewpubs, proving that a life built around meat and cheese can really take you places! Her love of all things charcuterie even sparked her own small business, Charcuterie By Aleksys. After working her way through Chicago’s immersive dining scene and quickly climbing from host to Restaurant Manager, she joined Industry Ales in 2024. These days, Aleksys thrives on the fast-paced chaos of event days, coordinating the Industry Ales crew, and making every guest feel right at home.

On her days off, you’ll usually find her cuddling her cat Panecita, trying new coffee shops, or hanging at the park with her partner, some snacks (probably cheese & meat), and a picnic blanket.