Who are we?

Tighthead Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Mundelein, a suburb of Chicago. Our brewery/taproom is a neighborhood institution where friends and families can meet up and enjoy great music, wonderful company, and the best beer in town. Since we opened our doors in 2011, we have poured our heart and soul into every glass. Stop in and taste what we're talking about!

Part of a watercolor painting of a blue sky with scattered white clouds.

ABOUT US

A grassy field with a large tree, a chandelier hanging from the tree's branches, an armchair, a guitar leaning against the armchair, a remote control, a book, and a glass of beer on a small table, under a partly cloudy sky.

Bruce Dir

Owner / Head Brewer

BILLY OAKS

Brew Master / Brewery Operations

scott dykyj

Sales

Anthony carollo

Assistant Brewer

Javi samano

Assistant Brewer / 3 Lefts

mark yarbrough

Taproom Manager

Group of people gathered outdoors at a festival, wearing colorful Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, and hats, with a large white truck in the background that has the words."Drink Local" and "Nighthead Brewing Company." Some are holding drinks, and one person has a pink flamingo inflatable.

The crew

At the heart of our brewery is a tight-knit team of passionate beer lovers, creative minds, and hardworking hands. From brewers and production crew to taproom staff and behind-the-scenes pros, we’re united by one thing: crafting great beer and sharing it with our community. Whether we're testing recipes or pouring pints, we bring a mix of grit, good humor, and pride to everything we do. Cheers from all of us!

Vertical neon sign on a building reads 'BREWING' in pink letters, with a sign above that says 'TIGHT HEAD'.
Neon sign reading "Viewing Room" in pink lights on a building exterior.

A history

Tighthead Brewing Company was founded in 2010 by Bruce Dir, who left a 20-year career in Corporate America to follow his dream of opening a brewery. The spark began in 1993 when Bruce received a homebrew kit from his then-fiancée, Molly. Already passionate about gardening and canning, Bruce quickly fell in love with brewing.

After moving to Mundelein and joining a local homebrew club (which became the BABBLE Homebrew Club of Lake County), Bruce became a certified beer judge and gained experience by organizing and judging competitions. In 2009, a corporate reorganization gave him the push he needed to turn his passion into a business. With Molly’s full support, Bruce wrote a business plan, trained at the Siebel Institute in Chicago, and apprenticed under Brewmaster Art Steinhoff at Flatlander’s Brewing Co.

Tighthead’s production began in 2011. Bruce partnered with Billy Oaks—a seasoned brewer and brewing school graduate—who now serves as Head Brewer and oversees all operations.

The name “Tighthead” comes from Bruce’s 13-year rugby career, playing as a Tighthead Prop. It’s a strong, rooted position—just like the brewery.

Visit our taproom in Mundelein for great beer, growlers to go, and a warm community of craft beer lovers.

Cheers!
Bruce Dir