My 605: Scott Heckel

What’s home unless you make it your own? My 605 takes you inside the lives, loves and little secrets of those who call South Dakota – area code 605 – home.

This week’s edition features Scott Heckel, co-founder of Severance Brewing Co. and owner of pigeon Birdie McBirdface – “Pretty sure there was a British ship named Boaty McBoatface too.”

My home in the 605 is: Brandon.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Seeing how the Sioux Empire continues to grow and evolve. It’s a great place to raise a family and start a business.

After home, I spend the most time here: Working in the brewery at Severance Brewing Co. in downtown Sioux Falls. Fun fact: Brewers are really just glorified janitors.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: At someone else’s brewery.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: I think the best meal I’ve had in the 605 has to be Filet Three Ways from Crawford’s.

My go-to coffee shop is: The Source in the Jones Building. Love their cold brew and lattes – so much so that we’ve put their coffee in several of our beers.

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: Carpenter Bar – the 3/4 Nelson is my jam.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Riding the bike trail around Sioux Falls. I try to make the loop at least a couple times each month during the summer. In actuality, I only get out a couple times total.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: We love the wine and beer dinners at Chef Lance’s. Great food, great drink and Chef Lance’s commentary is always entertaining.

The best pizza in the 605 is: As much as I love what Fiero, Papa Woody’s and Pizza Cheeks bring to Sioux Falls, the best pizza in the 605 is the Chicken Cordon Bleu from Thatzza Pizza in Aberdeen!

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: Brewery hopping downtown.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: Strawbale Winery for their Summer Porch Series. The kids love the music, grabbing a bite from a food truck, slurping blue slushies, petting kitties and feeding the chickens.

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I: Serve beer at one of the many beer festivals in the area. People really open up when they get unlimited samples!

My best memory in the 605 is: Opening day at Severance Brewing Co. in 2019. It was surreal to watch so many people enjoying our beer and their time in the taproom.

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: Those first few really cold days of winter when you start cussing to help you warm up as soon as you get in your car. You know the ones.

And finally, life in pictures. Here are the top three photos that most sum up My 605: