The Minnesota craft brewing industry and the Twin Cities community are in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Cooper Johnson, the visionary founder and owner of Bricksworth Beer Co. Cooper passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by his family and closest friends.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, unique approach to life, and unyielding devotion to his family, Cooper built more than just a successful business—he fostered a tight-knit community where good food, great beer, and genuine human connection came first. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void across the Twin Cities culinary and craft beverage landscape.
The Legacy of Cooper Johnson
Cooper Johnson | Community & Professional Profile
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Date of Passing : Friday, June 19, 2026
Professional Role : Founder & Owner, Bricksworth Beer Co. (Burnsville & Mpls)
Industry Roots : BlackStack Brewing (Johnson Family Operation)
Community Alignment : Proud "Skoldier" (Minnesota Vikings Devotee)
Youth Soccer Coach & Community Mentor
Survived By : His beloved family, including Franny and Arthur
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A Pioneer of the Twin Cities Beer & Pizza Scene
Craft brewing runs deep in the Johnson family. Cooper grew up immersed in the industry, working in operations alongside his family at the acclaimed BlackStack Brewing in St. Paul. In late 2020, Cooper branched out to carve his own distinct path, opening Bricksworth Beer Co. in Burnsville.
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The Blueprint: Cooper flipped the script on traditional brewpubs by pairing meticulously crafted beers with thick, crispy, Detroit-style square pizzas and award-winning chicken wings.
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Expansion to the North Loop: The concept was an immediate success, leading Cooper to expand Bricksworth with a highly anticipated second location in the vibrant North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis.
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Tragedy Compounded: Cooper’s sudden passing comes just a few years after the heartbreaking loss of his father, Scott Johnson, a co-founder of BlackStack, compounding the grief felt by the local brewing community.
The Bricksworth Philosophy
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[ The Liquid ] ---> Focused on clean, classic execution alongside playful,
innovative beer profiles.
[ The Crust ] ---> Pioneered a signature, crispy-yet-chewy take on Detroit-style
pizza that became an instant regional favorite.
[ The Vibe ] ---> Rooted heavily in sports culture, community-centric hospitality,
and a strict "no shortcuts" mindset.
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Outpouring of Love from the Brewing Community
As news of Cooper’s passing spread, an overwhelming wave of tributes flowed from rival breweries, regular patrons, and community members, painting a picture of a man who was deeply respected and widely loved.
“With broken hearts, we are sharing that our beloved Owner, Cooper Johnson, passed away suddenly on June 19, 2026. He did not suffer, and was surrounded by his family and close friends. Cooper was one of a kind, and will be desperately missed by the loves of his life, Franny and Arthur.”
— Bricksworth Beer Co. Official Statement
“Words can’t express the feeling of this loss. Sending our love to the Johnson family and BlackStack and Bricksworth families. ❤️”
— Junkyard Brewing Co.
“This breaks our hearts 💔 Sending our love to the Johnsons & BlackStack/Bricksworth families.”
— Modist Brewing
“When my son wrote his middle school essay on someone who had a positive influence on him, he chose Cooper, his former soccer coach. Cooper surprised him and came to school when Isaac read the essay to the class. What a man of character. I am so very sorry!”
— Meredith, Community Member
A Character of True Impact
Beyond the taprooms and kitchens, Cooper was a proud, die-hard Minnesota Vikings “Skoldier” and a dedicated mentor who invested his spare time into coaching youth soccer. He lived life entirely on his own terms—vibrant, authentic, and incredibly generous.
The thoughts, prayers, and deep condolences of the entire craft beer industry and the state of Minnesota are with his family, the “Brix/Stack” crews, and everyone whose life was brightened by his presence. The family intends to hold a celebration of Cooper’s life at a later date, with details to be shared once arrangements are finalized.