About Heist

History of the Name

Bennie and Stella Dickson were Depression-era outlaws and bank robbers in the United States. They successfully stole over $50,000 in an eight-month period from August 1938 to April 1939.

A husband and wife team in the style of Bonnie and Clyde, Bennie Dickson and his newlywed wife "Sure Shot" Stella began their criminal career on Stella's 16th birthday by robbing a bank in Elkton, South Dakota of $2,174 on August 25, 1938. Two months later, they stole $47,233 in cash and bonds from a bank in Brookings, South Dakota on October 31.

Although tracked by police to a tourist campground in Topeka, Kansas the Dicksons were able to escape after a brief gunfight when officers attempted to arrest them on November 24. Separated during the escape, Bennie drove his car to South Clinton, Iowa, and after stealing another car, doubled back to Topeka to meet Stella at a rendezvous on November 25. While traveling to Michigan, several attempts over the next few days were made by authorities to capture them, including one incident in which Stella shot the tires out on a pursuing patrol car (earning her the moniker "Sure Shot" Stella). After taking three men hostage, Bennie and Stella were able to steal getaway cars in Michigan and Indiana, later eluding police on the countryside backroads.

Shortly after arriving in St. Louis, Bennie was shot and killed by arresting FBI agents while at a hamburger stand on April 6, 1939, with Stella being arrested in Kansas City the following day. Taken back to South Dakota to stand trial, Stella was convicted of two federal counts of bank robbery and sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

Our Vision Statement

Heist Brewing Company is a local brewery that is dedicated to service, responsibility, and quality. At the most baisc level Heist offers great quality craft ales right here in Brookings. Heist is doing a lot more than just making great beer though. We here at Heist are all about positive change. Heist wants to share its success at every step of the way. As Heist grows, so will the community.

That's our way of saying, Thank you.

The Brewer

Heist is owned and operated by Tom Strubel.
Tom studied civil engineering and German at South Dakota State University and found his calling as a brewer when he met Luke Rensink back in the Fall of 2010. The two brewed together and Heist opened its doors in July of 2011. Heist has had great success in the South Dakota craft beer market and has since started selling beer in North Dakota. Tom has also added a homebrew store that can sell you anything a beginning brewer or highly skilled brewer might need. Heist also is a licensed malt beverage off-saler. Tom wants Heist to be a place where anyone who wants to know more about beer can come and enjoy beer in many different ways; from drinking it to brewing it.

Stop by and meet Tom

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"Great Craft Ale Made Here in Brookings"

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