The first mention of a beer factory in the center of Dortmund, in the Market Square, dates back to 1430. "Die alte Krone am Markt" (the old Crown at the Market) is still a fully functioning microbrewery today, after being the cradle of Westphalian brewing tradition. And it has been for almost 600 years! On March 1, 1729, Johann Wenker acquired "the Kronen," laying the cornerstone for the legendary Wenker dynasty. This family is credited with the first production of Dortmund bottom-fermented beer in the 19th century. Until then, only the amber-colored, top-fermented Alt type was known, but Heinrich Wenker recognized the untapped potential in the new beer. The "Dortmunder Helles" (Dortmund pale lager) gained worldwide importance as "Dortmunder Export," making this city the first in Germany for production and a symbol of brewing culture. "Kronen" represents Dortmund's oldest brewing tradition.