By Chris Adam
Good food served in a comfortable atmosphere makes Fenwick’s Scratch Kitchen and Taproom the place to go in Rensselaer. Those in the community flock to Fenwick’s because of its seasonal menu of family recipes made with fresh ingredients.But Fenwick’s success can also be attributed to its ability to alter course and evolve during the pandemic.
A change of plans
According to co-owner Kenny VanHouten, Fenwick’s opened as a nano-brewery in 2017 — one of the smallest licensed breweries in the state at the time. Shortly after it launched, the restaurant space next door became available, and Fenwick’s expanded into a full brewpub.
“It was a natural extension of what people were already enjoying about us — good beer, good food, and a comfortable place to gather,” VanHouten said. Then the pandemic happened and everything changed. “In 2024, we made the decision to cease brewing operations and operate as a full restaurant, allowing us to focus all our energy on food, hospitality, and the guest experience.”
A sense of hometown pride
Fenwick’s stands out because real work goes into the food — the kind you can taste, VanHouten said. A large portion of the menu is made from scratch, from fresh burgers and hand-cut steaks to house-made sauces and dressings.
“We prioritize quality over shortcuts, and we stay committed to serving dishes that feel crafted rather than mass-produced,” he said. “Beyond the food, people tell us they appreciate that Fenwick’s feels like a place ‘with a heartbeat.’ It’s casual, welcoming, and geared toward connection — whether that’s a family dinner, a night out with friends, or just a place to unwind after work.”
He said folks appreciate that Fenwick’s stayed committed to the community through tough seasons and they often hear that they’re the “easy choice” for both everyday meals and special get-togethers.
“There’s a sense of hometown pride around Fenwick’s, and that’s something we don’t take lightly,” VanHouten said. “Fenwick’s is about good food, done right, and served in a place where people feel comfortable being themselves. We’re here to bring the community together over plates that are made with intention and delivered with hometown hospitality.”
Fenwick’s Scratch Kitchen and Taproom
fenwickfarmsbrewingcompany.com
219 W. Washington St., Rensselaer, IN 47978
219-866-3773
Adding crispy bacon to Fenwick’s Finest Burger takes it to the next level.
You can’t go wrong with a basket of Fenwick’s wings.
Good food, good beer, and a comfortable place to gather make Fenwick’s the place to go in Rensselaer.
