Jacob “Jake” Keyes is the founder and owner of Skydance Brewing, with its game-day-central taproom just off Automobile Alley on NE 7th. His second job is Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Keyes is an avid OU football fan, and a former casino manager. He’s well versed in the policies and processes around booze and casinos in Oklahoma, and he follows in his homesteader father’s footsteps in that he’s a tinkerer, jack of all trades, and good-with-my-hands kind of guy. He’s also a damn good interview, and we talk about growing up in and out of Oklahoma, the state of beer, his expansion into Midwest City and whether or not casino bosses really order security to beat guys up and stuff them in trunks of cars.

Skydance is working on a taproom and restaurant in Midwest City (231 W. McArthur Dr.), and Keyes explains why he’s adding food in MWC, and why he wishes he had in his downtown taproom. The new spot is going to focus on smash burgers and Native American food, like fry bread and soups. We’re very ready to get fresh fry bread with hominy stew or pozole this winter!