Public Brewing Company Unveils Elevated Pub Menu, Announces New Executive Chef, Josh Rains, Longtime Kenosha Culinarian
Known for their award-winning craft beer and lively taproom atmosphere, Chef Rains aims to showcase a fresh take on brewpub fare, highlighting affordable, flavorful, creative, and beer-infused offerings for all walks of life.
KENOSHA, WI (JANUARY 6th, 2026) – What began as a fun, community-focused, social space offering high quality craft beer has since moved up the street, expanded their footprint, and started serving eats alongside their good times. The new menu will launch January 7th when Public opens their doors at 3pm.
The new offerings will still feature their popular cheese curds but will also highlight varied appetizers like drunken shrooms and a return of their sauced up brewhouse wings. A selection of sandwiches, pitas, wraps, and flatbreads will be featured on the new menu as well as a sausage of the month with rotating toppings. Vegetarian-friendly, many items offer a quality meat alternative as well as a selection of salads. Chef Rains brings baking expertise to the table; therefore, Public will begin offering desserts like donut bites, lemon bars, and cheesecake. Bring down the whole family and enjoy affordable selections from the kid’s menu with Fridays continuing to provide everyone’s favorite fish fry.
Chef Josh Rains is a dad to his son Noah, FianceĢ, and Saint Bernard owner who grew up in Kenosha gaining inspiration from his dad, a second-generation butcher who could turn a cut of meat into a feast. Training under Chef Vicki Rothwell for many years, Josh has spent time at pizza pubs, hotels, Irish pubs, and catering pop-ups across the city. “Kenosha is where I grew up, where I played as a kid, where I’m raising my son”, says Chef Rains, “I could cook anywhere but I can’t think of any place I’d rather be.”
When asked about the new menu, Chef Rains says, “it’s bits and pieces of places I’ve been in my career, dishes I have enjoyed cooking, things that guests have enjoyed eating, but most importantly, it’s a menu that pairs well with our fun atmosphere and amazing beer selection at Public, infusing our brews at every opportunity”.
Public strives to be a place where high quality food and beverages are just the beginning, elevating the lively atmosphere of their expansive downtown space. Housed in the old Barden’s Department Store, Public is a place that is welcome to all and aims to offer a little something for everyone, including robust catered and event offerings, both in the brewpub and off-site.
“Good food doesn’t have to be super fancy or crazy expensive”, says Chef Rains, “but it is something everyone deserves, no matter where they come from.” Starting Wednesday, January 7th, visit Public Brewing Company and try the good food that you deserve.
###
Public Brewing Company was founded in 2012 out of a passion for craft beer and the creative community in downtown Kenosha, WI. Embracing its roots in community, Public serves as a gathering place to celebrate craft beer, delicious food, good company, entertainment, brewery tours, and more. Situated a few blocks from Lake Michigan, Public operates out of the historic Barden Department Store building, producing beer that makes its way to bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and beer fridges throughout the state of Wisconsin.
For more information, visit http://www.PublicBrewingCompany.com.