When you visit the Aurora Area, you’re stepping into a community rooted in history, culture, and resilience. The Fox River Valley has long been shaped by the stories of its people—generations who have called this home and new residents bringing fresh energy and ideas to the region. That mix is what makes Aurora so vibrant, and during Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to highlight the Latinx business owners who are helping shape our local economy and cultural scene.
Meet Ricky Cervantes, owner of Foreign Exchange Brewing Company
Brewing for His Community
Meet Ricky Cervantes, the proud creator and owner of Foreign Exchange Brewing Company in downtown Aurora. Foreign Exchange is a microbrewery taproom and kitchen specializing in small-batch and oak-aged ales, paired with a flavorful menu.
A true local Auroran, Ricky’s family has lived in the area for more than 40 years. Both sides of his family inspired his dedication to creating something that betters the people around him.
“From watching my dad start a business of his own and doing whatever it took to make it work, to my mom always doing what she had to do to put family first, to my stepmom going above and beyond to help others be the best version of themselves. Every day I push myself, and my staff, to be the best version of themselves and to do our best for our community.”
Ricky and coworker enjoying a brew
How did Ricky get into making beer? It all started at a young age. He shares that “science and chemistry were always my favorite classes in school growing up, and so when I started experimenting with home brewing in my old downtown Aurora apartment, it was a way to tie something that always captivated my interest as a kid with my interest in craft beer as an adult!”
His hobby of small-batch beer making grew into a larger project when he “brewed a beer with Oswego Brewing that drew out 400+ people." He quickly realized that his hobby could turn into something greater.
You can see the history of Foreign Exchange coming to life when you walk into the taproom. Originally, Ricky only anticipated creating a line of beers; a restaurant wasn’t at the top of the list. But, motivated by the area where he grew up, he knew there was something he could add to his hometown.
Find your new favorite pour at the taproom
The idea “was inspired and motivated by hometown pride, and the need to be a part of the revitalization of Downtown Aurora that I was seeing. I’m proud knowing that Foreign Exchange is giving people a reason to visit my hometown.”
Locals have been taking pride in cleaning up their corners of the city, and Ricky has added to that beauty.
Like many other business owners in our region, Ricky feels connected to his customers.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people become friends at the bar, bonding over beer or their love of our creative menu options. Knowing that we’re a catalyst for community building is very fulfilling.”
Make memories that'll last during fun events such as Loteria Night
Beer Tourism
Ricky has garnered a huge, supportive following since his early days.
“So much of our business early on was beer tourism! Yes, that’s a thing! Craft beer fans who eagerly waited for us to open after brewing and distributing for five years flocked to us our first year open here in Aurora, and it made our first year a success.”
Ricky has always taken advantage of the fact that our marketing efforts are free to businesses in our region. What has his company gained from it? He attributes much of his success to beer tourism, glowing online reviews, and features in the Enjoy Aurora Visitor’s Guide.
“People quickly learned that Foreign Exchange was a destination when visiting the Aurora Area.”
We’re proud to have offered a platform to showcase Foreign Exchange and other local businesses to those traveling to the Aurora Area.
Ricky with collab partners at Riverlands Brewing Company
Setting Aurora Apart from the Rest
“We’re an award-winning brewery that stops at nothing to brew the best quality craft beer, paired with the best quality food, curated by a talented team. We strive to be a family-friendly community hub here in Downtown Aurora.”
Support Foreign Exchange and stop by for drink and bite
Ricky’s distinct brewing atmosphere is highlighted in every creation. Each drink has its own significance and artwork. You can easily see the style and appreciate that you’re drinking something brewed by the people of the city you’re visiting.
Ricky has created many successful beers, including the fan-favorite Kittywampus, Chicagoish, and his take on a short-lived brewing company called Aurora Brewing Company.
On Foreign Exchange’s Instagram, the team shared that they “brewed this beer to pay homage to the pre-Prohibition Downtown Aurora brewery that came before us. Brewed in collaboration with our partners in innovation at @lallemandbrewing, this pre-Prohibition-style golden ale is brewed with 100% German-grown barley, three German hop varieties, a dash of maize, Aurora’s award-winning water, and a new limited-release yeast strain from Lallemand Brewing, aptly named ‘Aurora.’”
Foreign Exchange x Aurora Beer Reimagined
His collaborations have always been a successful endeavor. His most recent one is coming out soon.
“We just tapped a collaboration with Riverlands Brewing Co. in St. Charles. It’s an amber lager with an obsessive attention to detail. Truly one of my favorite beers we’ve brewed in this building.”
Collaborations are always around the corner for Foreign Exchange.
“Outside of that, we love all our collaborations. The beer industry is so unique in the fact that we all help each other and work together, and we’ve begun trying to approach our neighboring businesses with that same mentality via sponsored event nights, such as Loteria. We’re in discussion to do some collaborative food menu items in the near future as well.”
Guests enjoying a drink after biking the Fox River
The Space
Foreign Exchange is an industrial-style taproom with plenty of natural sunlight, giving the space a calming feel. There is ample seating for friends and family to gather, and maybe even pull a deck of cards off the game shelf.
Ricky shares the thought process behind the space and the brewery’s design:
“We want to curate a space where customers can decompress and leave their worries at the door. Nestle into our comfortable chairs and stools, enjoy our thoughtfully crafted food and drinks, and leave here feeling fulfilled and ready to tackle what life throws at you.”
Check out the space for yourself! Located at 110 Cross St, Aurora, IL
Places to Enjoy in the Area
You can usually catch Ricky behind the scenes, working on brews through the large square windows in the taproom. When he’s not at Foreign Exchange, he enjoys exploring the Aurora Area and beyond.
“When I’m not here, I love visiting my pal Tony at Flight Tasting Room in Yorkville. I’m inspired by the bourbon collection and quality of food at Niche Restaurant in Geneva, and when I need an energy boost, the coffees at Dapper Brews here in Downtown Aurora really hit the spot!”
Enjoy all that the Aurora Area offers
Ricky is devoted to his intentional choice to place Foreign Exchange in Aurora and build its success alongside his community. He describes Aurora as “resilient, diverse, and welcoming.”
We couldn’t agree more.
You can support Ricky and the rest of the crew by following Foreign Exchange Brewing Company on Facebook and Instagram at @foreignexchangebrewing.
“Follow our social media for the latest releases, specials, and events, and if any of them catch your eye, stop in and see us! If you leave here impressed, tell your friends. It costs nothing to tell someone how much you enjoyed your time with us, and it helps us out tremendously.”
Share Your Story With Us
If you’re a Latinx business owner in the Aurora Area, we’d love to showcase your story alongside others. Reach out to us and join the celebration of local voices that make our region one-of-a-kind. Email us at Marketing@EnjoyAurora.com to share your story with us!
Discover the vibrant craft beverage scene of the Aurora Area on the Fox River Pour Tour, a curated journey through the region’s best breweries, wineries, and meaderies nestled along the scenic Fox River. Enjoy signature pours, meet passionate makers, and take in the natural beauty and welcoming spirit that make the Fox River Valley a must-visit destination for beverage adventurers.
Learn more about the Aurora Area and plan your trip
