Second Chapter Brewing is located in the former Goodall City Library in Ogallala in Western Nebraska. The name “Second Chapter” refers to the “second act” of this library as a brew pub and for the owners starting a new venture. It also represents a continuation of Lisa’s family brewing legacy—her great-grandfather, Louis Kraus, was the brewmaster and majority owner of Hastings Brewing Company in the early 1900s, before Prohibition changed everything. Second Chapter Brewing is not only a great place to get a drink and some food, but a community gathering place.
Second Chapter Brewing received a grant administered by NSBAA in 2024. The following is some correspondence between Starr Lehl, a NSBAA Program Consultant and the owners of Second Chapter Brewing, Richard Gibson and Lisa Kraus.
A March 24, 2025, message from Starr to the NSBAA Team…
I LOVE MY JOB!
I wanted to share an email with you from Richard Gibson, he and his wife Lisa, own and operate
Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala. They have been able to leverage so many other
opportunities because of the NSBAA grant– Starr Lehl, NSBAA Program Consultant
Some unsolicited sharing from Richard to Starr in how NSBAA has made a difference in their new business startup…
Good morning, Starr,
Okay, we are finally done, and I have attached supporting documents and invoices. We’ve spent well over $25,000, but lots of that is our owners’ contribution to show that we invested as much as the NSBAA Grant allocated to us. Having the ability to expand with marketing, distribution, taproom offerings, workplace safety and outdoor amenities will allow us to grow as a business over the next few years.
Our initial proposal didn’t specifically include cans, labels or a canning machine, but they are a huge step in distribution and will allow us to grow more regionally over the next few years. We’ve already had orders for multiple cases of cans, and we have yet to turn the machine on, that will happen tomorrow. We also wanted to show that our contribution to this growth and expansion phase was significant alongside the Grow Grant.
Thank you for your continued patience with us as we wrapped up the final pieces last week getting the permanent sign on the building after two years.
I’ve also added two images of the sign that got installed last week so you can see what took so long
- Richard Gibson
Second Chapter Brewing
secondchapterbrewing.com – 308-284-7391
Postscript… The following is additional information on Second Chapter Brewing… “Second Chapter Brewing was born from a unique opportunity in 2020 when the City of Ogallala built a new library and offered the former Goodall City Library building to the public through a proposal and bid process. Seeking the “best proposed use” for the historic downtown space, the city ultimately chose Second Chapter Brewing’s vision. After an extensive renovation of the 1920s building and a full brewery and taproom buildout, we proudly opened our doors in January 2023.
Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Richard Gibson and Lisa Kraus, Second Chapter Brewing (SCB) brews all its craft beer on-site using a 5BBL brew system in the repurposed library. Our taproom blends history with community, offering a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy high-quality craft beer and seltzer, whether indoors or on our shaded deck. While we don’t have a full kitchen, guests may bring in their favorite food from local restaurants, grab a bite from rotating food trucks, or enjoy our selection of bar snacks and charcuterie boards.
We believe in bringing people together, and our regular events and festivals—including pop-up markets, live music, trivia nights, book club, music bingo, and Oktoberfest—keep us deeply connected to the community.
The name Second Chapter Brewing reflects our story in multiple ways. It’s a new chapter for the former library building, for the repurposed materials throughout our space, and for us as owners starting this venture in Ogallala. It also represents a continuation of Lisa’s family brewing legacy—her great-grandfather, Louis Kraus, was the brewmaster and majority owner of Hastings Brewing Company in the early 1900s, before Prohibition changed everything. Rooted in our core values of sustainability and community, we are committed to enhancing downtown Ogallala by creating high-quality jobs and a welcoming space for all. We regularly partner with local businesses and currently employ eight part-time staff, in addition to our two full-time owner-operators.
Importance of Businesses Like Second Chapter Brewing
Essential to the future success of rural communities in Nebraska are four building blocks:
- Entrepreneur Driven Economic Development
- Quality of Life Placemaking
- New Resident Attraction and Existing Resident Retention
- Development Capacity Building
Second Chapter Brewing checks all four boxes. It is an entrepreneurial startup adding to Keith County’s growing list of small business successes. This business and the support it’s receiving has enabled a former resident and a new resident to the state to make rural Nebraska their home. (e.g., husband and wife entrepreneurial team). Second Chapter Brewing has repurposed Ogallala’s Goodall City Library into a new life. The name “Second Chapter” is a play on the library’s former book collection.
Core to community success, whether an urban neighborhood like Lincoln’s 33rd and A Streets District or a rural place like Ogallala, are quality of life amenities. Second Chapter Brewing provides a gathering place and entertainment venue. From families to workers to older residents, this old library is providing an essential amenity.
KCAD! KCAD or Keith County Area Development is a remarkable community economic development organization. Because of KCAD, Keith County relative to its population has the highest successful small business application rate with the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act. KCAD represents excellence in development capacity. Check out our story of Molly Jeffres with KCAD.