Oak Park council approves distillery license and Sunday sales permit for Dog and Pony Show Brewing

After a public hearing on March 4, the Oak Park City Council approved a resolution authorizing issuance of a distillery license and a Sunday sales permit for Dog and Pony Show Brewing LLC at 14661 West 11 Mile.

The owner of Dog and Pony Show told the council the business intends to start by purchasing bourbon, gin and vodka from a nearby distiller and blending or using those spirits to offer a limited cocktail menu, and only gradually consider producing distilled spirits on site. “We’re not really concerned about distilling our volume. We’re actually gonna purchase our initial bourbon, gin, and vodka from Valentine’s Distilling in Ferndale,” the owner said, describing an approach that prioritizes quality and local partnerships.

Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the change is an add‑on to the existing license and whether Sunday sales were included; staff confirmed it is an add‑on to the existing license and that Sunday sales previously authorized for the brewery will be applied to the distilling side to permit spirits service on Sundays.

Vote: The council moved and seconded the resolution and carried it by roll call. Council members welcomed the business; the mayor encouraged residents to patronize the locally owned establishment.

What’s next: The owner said he hopes to roll out initial offerings in May and a formal anniversary week in June, and plans a multi‑day celebration tied to the business’s fifth anniversary. The council did not impose additional conditions at the time of the vote.