Our Founder
Our Founder
Burning Bush Founder, Brent Raska, has an atypical path to becoming owner of a Chicago brewery. Originally from Spokane, WA, Brent saw his life on the path of service. Studying at Washington State University, Brent majored in secondary social studies education and served as a youth director at local churches. He later enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary. After spending a year teaching in Zambia and spending a short time in New York City, he and his wife Erin, moved to Wilmette in 2011. In 2012 Brent became the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in North Riverside. It was then Brent began home brewing and developed the dream of one day owning his own brewery.
Brent made the leap into brewing full-time when his church closed at the end of 2017. After an extensive and exhaustive two year process that included honing his recipes and finding and renovating the perfect Chicago location, Burning Bush Brewery held its grand opening March 6, 2020. About a week later, COVID mitigation efforts closed Burning Bush to the public, but thankfully, he was able to continue brewing and selling beer to go. Later that summer, the patio space was opened, and guests were allowed to sit outside along the Chicago river. And in the four years since, the brewery has developed into a staple in North Center with a dedicated following and a commitment to supporting the community. Brent is forever grateful for the support of so many friends and family who believed in him especially his incredible wife, Erin and two beautiful daughters Esme and Brooklyn.