Since spring of 2014, Like Minds Brewing business partners Chef Justin Aprahamian of Sanford and John Lavelle have tackled myriad challenges together – including legal hurdles and logistical battles – to make their dream of establishing their brewery a reality.

And those dreams came to fruition – first in the form of a successful brewery in Chicago, and later in the small Milwaukee-based production brewery and brew pub, which opened at 823 E. Hamilton St. in 2016.

But after much deliberation, Aprahamian has made the decision to step away from his ownership stake in both the brewery and restaurant.

Aprahamian says the decision comes, in part, from a desire to dedicate more time to his family. He and his wife Sarah, co-owner and operator of Sanford, are expecting a second child in early 2017. He says he didn’t want to give short shrift to any of his responsibilities.

"For me, it’s a timing thing," says Aprahamian. "The demands and expectations of what’s on the table just got out of balance. It wasn’t an easy decision, and I labored over it for some time. I’m really proud to have been a part of Like Minds evolution. And I’ll always have a kinship to it. But in all fairness, I can’t sell them short. They deserve someone who can make a full-time commitment to that vision, and unfortunately I can’t at this time."

Aprahamian says that he’s confident Lavelle will continue to carry on the mutual dream the two business associates shared for both the brewery and restaurant.

"John has made some amazing and unique beers," he says. "And what he has planned on the horizon has the potential to be incredible, in particular, the ‘sour program’ of beers that looks to hit its stride with production quantities in early in 2017."

Lavelle expressed a mutual admiration for Aprahamian on the phone this afternoon, noting that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his friend and business partner’s knowledge and input.

"I owe so much to Justin for what I know in brewing … for all the knowledge he’s passed along to me in terms of balance and flavors," Lavelle says. "And I’m hoping we’ll continue those conversations."

Lavelle says that both the brewery and restaurant will remain open and operating, and that Chef Paul Funk will take a lead role for the restaurant portion of Like Minds.

"Our goal all along was to make food that goes along with beer," Lavelle says. "And he’s the guy who will continue to lead us in that direction."

Aprahamian says he has confidence that Like Minds is in good hands.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the crew that we’ve assembled at the restaurant and brewery," he says. "I am particularly honored to have worked closely with Paul Funk in the Like Minds kitchen and for that reason am excited about the trajectory of the brewery and restaurant."

Like Minds is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to close, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.