USA, OH: R. Shea Brewing Co. targeting downtown Akrton for new production brewery

R. Shea Brewing Co. is targeting Canal Place in downtown Akron as the site for its new production brewery and restaurant, Akron Beacon Journal reported on August 1.

The Akron nanobrewery, which hasn’t even celebrated its second anniversary yet, plans to open a 20-barrel brewery and eatery in the former B.F. Goodrich complex along South Main Street. It’s a $2.7 million project.

Founder and brewer Ron Shea hopes to be making beer in the new location next summer. He had announced his expansion plans last year but hasn’t talked publicly before about where.

The reason for the expansion is simple — R. Shea can’t seem to make enough beer at its current site in the city’s Merriman Valley neighborhood.

“Down in the valley, we have to turn people away because we are so small,” Shea said.

He also said it will be nice to have the time to refine the beers without worrying about releasing them so fast to keep up with demand.

The Canal Place location is more than 60,000 square feet, and with a much larger brewing system, Shea won’t have to worry about turning anyone away.

He envisions creating an industrial setting reminiscent of Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati.

The taproom and restaurant, which will likely focus on pizza, wings and other bar foods, will occupy about 8,000 square feet that overlooks the brewery.

If you’re a fan of the current R. Shea, don’t worry. It’s not going anywhere and will remain open.

“The current space is going to be critical to R&D,” Shea said.

He was drawn to Canal Place not only because of its size, but also because of its potential to turn into an entertainment district.

Missing Falls Brewery has announced plans to open in the same building, and there’s hope that another brewery will locate there, creating a confluence of craft breweries under one roof that’s unseen elsewhere in Ohio.

“This is like the Goldilocks zone of breweries,” Shea said.

He’s also pushing for the creation of an Akron brewery district, citing the future proximity of R. Shea, Missing Falls, Akronym, Lock 15 and Thirsty Dog in the downtown area.

03 August, 2017