MINNEAPOLIS, MN – For the past six years, La Doña Cervecería has stood out not just for its exceptional beers, but for its profound commitment to community and cultural identity. This Minneapolis brewery has been a trailblazer, uniquely dedicated to honoring and uplifting the Latino community. At the helm is Sergio Manancero, co-owner and visionary, who has meticulously crafted a space where the art of brewing, rich cultural heritage, and deep community engagement seamlessly intersect.
Manancero’s journey to becoming a pioneer in the brewing industry is as compelling as the unique flavors of his beers. Born and raised in Maple Grove, his parents, who immigrated from Colonia, Uruguay in 1980, diligently ensured he understood his lineage. This immersion in a close-knit Latino community fostered in him a deep understanding of ancestry and a formidable drive to succeed. After graduating from Osseo High School in 2009, Manancero served four years in the Marine Corps, including two deployments to Afghanistan – an experience that undoubtedly honed his discipline and determination.
Upon returning home, he pursued a degree in sociology at the University of Minnesota, where he unexpectedly developed a keen interest in the sociology of beer. Recognizing a glaring lack of diversity within the brewing industry, Manancero resolved to make a difference. In 2016, he teamed up with a friend to launch La Doña as a homebrew, a testament to his incredible work ethic as he juggled a full course load with the demanding early stages of a small business. A year later, armed with a B.S. in sociology with a focus on law, criminology, and deviance, he signed the lease for the Fremont Avenue North building that now houses La Doña Cervecería.
From its inception, La Doña was founded with a singular purpose: to uplift and celebrate Minnesota’s Latino community. It quickly transformed into a cultural hub, a welcoming space for commemorating Latin traditions. Programs like “¡Hablamos Pues!”, a weekly Spanish conversation club, and events showcasing Latin art and music are not mere accessories; they are core to La Doña’s identity. Manancero’s visionary spirit also led to the creation of La Doña’s three-on-three soccer field, hosting lively weekly games throughout the warmer months, further cementing the brewery’s role as a community gathering point.
This dedication to community is matched only by their commitment to crafting high-quality, distinctive beers. La Doña offers a diverse selection of signature brews, each often infused with unique flavors inspired by Latin American cuisine. A standout example is the Enmolada stout, the masterful creation of head brewer Dicky Lopez, which ingeniously incorporates serrano peppers and chocolate to evoke the complex, rich flavors of mole. This innovative approach to brewing reflects La Doña’s broader ethos of blending cultural heritage with culinary excellence.
La Doña Cervecería has blossomed into a vibrant, multi-tiered event space, an open invitation to anyone eager to experience the richness of Latin heritage. The beer, as described by patrons, is “varied, delicious, spicy, and exceptional.” The brewery hums with activity: late Saturday nights are dominated by salsa dancers and lessons, Spanish classes convene on the second Monday of each month, yoga sessions take place on Tuesdays, and summer months are filled with soccer clubs. The back room cleverly doubles as the UR/IN art gallery, dedicated to showcasing “Latinx-hearted artists.”
The ubiquitous Day of the Dead branding imbues La Doña with the feel of a playful yet sacred space. Perhaps most powerfully, the brewpub is graced by the 24/7 presence of “La Doña,” a stunning sculpture by Kordula Coleman. Surrounded by candles, this artwork serves as a focal point, an altar of sorts, perfect for gathering with a pint and contemplating the ebbs and flow of life.
All of these elements are deeply aligned with La Doña’s powerful mission statement: “To celebrate the vibrancy, breadth and depth of Latino and Minnesotan culture through superior product and customer experience as a fully operational brewery and community/event center, while raising awareness of and providing support to social, economic, and environmental issues that impact us all.”
In a world increasingly valuing authenticity and purpose-driven enterprises, Sergio Manancero and La Doña Cervecería stand as a compelling example of how cultural pride, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to community can brew exceptional business success.
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