What keeps North Dakotans moving? Cars, community, and bars—and Ben Boreson wasn’t about to leave any of them out when he and his wife, Connie, founded Busted Knuckle Brewery.
After 37 years of marriage, Ben and Connie understood the importance of family and hard work, so they invited their children, Jake and Emma, to join them in a family partnership. Together, they’ve built not just a business, but a place where locals can gather, share stories, and enjoy a cold beer after a hard day’s work.
Success on Tap
Ben Boreson
A bold, gritty IPA. Slight bitterness speaks to years of hard work, while the smooth finish offers the satisfaction of a job well done.
Connie Boreson
A smooth, balanced amber ale with hints of citrus fruit and a fine touch of bitterness. Warm, steady, and reliably refreshing.
Jake Boreson
A bold, slow-brewed stout with rich roasted flavors and dark chocolate notes. Each batch reflecting a careful balance of tradition and experimentation.
Emma Kuester
Vibrant and refreshing, this wheat beer has lively hints of citrus and spice. Light and effervescent, it’s brewed to bring people together.
How the Brewing Began
Shifting Gears to Craft Beers
After 30 years of running his own mechanic shop, Ben Boreson discovered a new passion for brewing when he got himself a Mr. Beer Kit. What began as a simple experiment quickly sparked a real passion, inspiring Ben to transform his mechanic shop by remodeling the garage into the first Busted Knuckle Brewery in Glasgow, Montana.
“We were just sitting around one night and I decided I’d probably busted enough knuckles, so I decided to close the shop and…start a brewery.” -Ben Boreson, Founder & Co-Owner
From Pistons to Pints
In June of 2015, Busted Knuckle Brewery opened its doors and was quickly embraced by the community. As the first brewery in Valley County, Montana, it became a favorite gathering place. The Boreson family filled the space with their unique background—large garage doors, radiator tables, and flights served on license plates, all nodding to Ben’s mechanical roots and the grit of the community they served.
“What I really enjoy is the process of making the beer. You put in the work, and then you wait—it could be two or three weeks before you even know how it turned out…and it’s always exciting to taste the final result.” -Jake Boreson, Co-Owner
Tapping into Williston
Success grew in Montana and the Boresons sought to expand while wanting a community that reflected Glasgow’s hardworking, close-knit spirit. With its booming oil industry and growing population, Williston, ND looked to be an ideal fit—not just for business, but for sharing Busted Knuckle’s sense of connection and hard work in a town that deeply valued the grit of a blue-collar.
Lending Brewed Right
To make the expansion a reality, the Boresons received crucial support from the Williston Economic Development Corporation in helping them secure a building in the heart of Williston and were connected with Dakota Business Lending for an SBA 504 loan. The entire family shared in the company and went through the lending process together, using the loan program to fund land, renovations, and brewing equipment. The process remained a collaborative effort with the Boresons focused on creating a welcoming spot for the Williston community and Dakota Business Lending guiding them through any complexities along the way.
“The team at Dakota Business Lending stayed in touch with us. They wanted us to succeed. They wanted us to feel confident with what we were doing and confident with the funding that was available. But more than that, their heart was in it for us.” -Connie Boreson, Co-Owner
A Wrench in the Plan
After purchasing the building in November of 2019, the Boresons encountered challenges when COVID-19 emerged a few months later. The pandemic complicated their renovation plans by delaying quotes and commitments, leading them to handle much of the remodeling themselves. Despite these setbacks, Busted Knuckle Brewery opened in January 2021, just as restrictions lifted, providing the community with a new gathering place when they were ready to reconnect.
“COVID started as a two-week mask mandate, then it turned into two months, and it just kept going without any real finality. It just so happened that we opened on January 10th, the day Governor Burgum announced that masks were no longer mandatory in North Dakota.” – Connie Boreson, Co-Owner
Unplugging for a Taste of Community
A defining feature of Busted Knuckle Brewery is its vibrant, TV-free atmosphere that encourages families to enjoy a cold beer and connect without distractions. This unique approach has been embraced by the community, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie through activities like cornhole, axe throwing, and shuffleboard, along with a board game cupboard and local live music on the weekends.
“The brewery is great for families. As a mother myself, I love that I can bring my family here and feel comfortable.” -Emma Kuester, Co-Owner
Brewing Success Together
Today, the Boreson family manages both the Glasgow and Williston locations, with each member playing a vital role in their success. Ben serves as head brewer, bringing a decade of experience, while Connie oversees bookkeeping and management. Jake handles brewing operations, and Emma ensures smooth operations in Williston. Their journey shows how family and hard work create a thriving community.
“Our motto has always been family, community, and then beer. It’s essential to stay connected with our family and the community we serve, while we share a good beer.” -Connie Boreson, Co-Owner
For more information about Busted Knuckle Brewery, visit their website.
This article was written by Dakota Business Lending with permission from Busted Knuckle Brewery and is not to be edited or redistributed without permission.
