Success Story _ Kukaro Brewing
Kukaro Brewing | Fort Morgan, CO
Doug and Andrea L’Heureux had long dreamed of creating a place where people could come together to enjoy great beer, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Fort Morgan, Colorado. After years of planning, hard work, and perseverance, that dream became a reality with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Kukaro Brewing in June of 2025, hosted by the Fort Morgan Chamber of Commerce.
Kukaro Brewing features 20 taps, offering a mix of regional craft beers and six house-made brews. To bring their signature beers to life, Doug and Andrea teamed up with a skilled brewer experienced in large-scale brewing operations. Doug, who had earned a brewing certificate years earlier as a homebrewer, recognized that scaling to commercial production required expert guidance. Their brewmaster played a key role in refining recipes and adapting them for consistent, high-quality production—helping Kukaro deliver the flavor and craftsmanship they had envisioned from the start.
Beyond the beer, Kukaro serves handcrafted pizza and Italian-inspired dishes, all made with care in a Neapolitan wood-fired oven imported from Italy. To perfect their craft, Doug and Andrea trained at a pizza school in Denver, ensuring every slice met their high standards. Even the brewery’s warm, inviting interior reflects their dedication—built by hand using reclaimed materials, with the couple spending countless hours constructing tables, tearing down walls, and reshaping the space themselves.
Seeking Partnerships for Growth
Doug and Andrea knew that launching a full-scale brewery and restaurant required more than just great recipes—it demanded sound business planning and financial preparation. They turned to Merle Rhoades, a trusted advisor with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Serving East Colorado, for expert guidance.
Merle worked closely with the couple to revise their business plan and prepare financial projections, helping them present a compelling case to lenders and investors. With his support, Doug and Andrea were able to secure the funding they needed to move forward confidently.
Gaining Momentum
Thanks to their hard work—and the Colorado SBDC’s strategic support, their business now serves as both a local gathering place and a testament to small-town entrepreneurship fueled by creativity, dedication, and community spirit. With a strong business foundation, Doug and Andrea look forward to sharing their passion for craft brewing with the community.
For more information, visit Kukaro Brewing on Facebook.
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The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is Colorado’s most trusted business resource. We empower businesses to launch, advance, and thrive, ultimately fueling innovation, strengthening local economies, and driving economic vitality across the state. Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has been the state's only nationally accredited, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage. With 14 Service Centers, over 25 Satellite Centers, and a network of approximately 300 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising, essential training, and vital connections to community partners.
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the State of Colorado, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Colorado’s institutions of higher education, local economic development organizations and local chambers of commerce.
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