PEORIA MAGAZINE March 2023

DISH AND DRINK

COME FOR THE ‘DAMN GOOD BEER,’ STAY FOR THE CONVERSATION Mark Johnstone, the dean of Peoria-area brewmasters, is nearing his 25th anniversary at Rhodell’s

BY PAM TOMKA PHOTOS BY RON JOHNSON

O n Downtown Peoria’s riverfront, nestled into a building constructed in 1928, sits the oldest operating brewery in central Illinois. John S. Rhodell Brewery, 111 Walnut St., will soon celebrate 25 years of serving unique, tasty, handcrafted quality beers to its many customers. Rhodell’s was started by Mark Johnstone, in partnership with his wife Suzie (O’Dell) Johnstone and John Rhodes – along with a few others – and those three remain the sole owners of the business. Who is John S. Rhodell? That’s a conglomeration of the three partners’ names, and it has become synonymous with excellent beer in a welcoming atmosphere with an outstanding staff that is very knowledgeable about what’s on tap, capable of addressing “taste

studying abroad. They married in Edinburgh and eventually moved to her hometown of Peoria after having their first son, Callum, while still in Scotland. They have since added son Euan and daughter Fiona to the family. After looking at Bloomington and other places in Peoria, they decided on a location down Water Street from where they are now located to start their brewing business, ultimately spending 17 years there. When they went shopping for a larger space and more convenient parking, many of their customers followed. Evidently, it’s been a hit. “I find the atmosphere to be wonderful, with a variety of different people and families of all ages and backgrounds,” said Scott Umland, a longtime customer. “It is bright and airy and draws an eclectic crowd.”

notes,” hop variety and ABV (alcohol by volume), among other topics. Mark, the brewmaster and a native of Scotland, met his wife there at the University of Stirling while she was Mark Johnstone is the proprietor of the John S. Rhodell Brewery

20 MARCH 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE