USA, OH: Lock 15 Brewing Co. plans to open in Akron this summer

A strong sense of history is fuelling Lock 15 Brewing Co., which plans to open in Akron this summer, Cleveland.com reported on April 25.

The brewery, in the shadow of the Y Bridge, is in the Cascade Valley Metro Park. It's a mix of old, new and nature: Trails wind through the area and its montage of historic buildings, rushing water and electrical towers. Soon, Colin Cook's vision and restaurant background, Tony Troppe's development acumen and Joe Karpinski's brewing know-how will converge to open one of Akron's newest breweries.

Not that long ago, "The area was a complete utter disaster. Nothing was in the park area, no signs of life," Cook said.

He said revitalization of the area where Lock 15 Brewing is located - not far from the main drag of West Market Street - really began years ago. The Cascade Locks Park Association was incorporated in 1989. Subsequent preservation efforts started to breathe life into the area. One of Akron's oldest buildings, the Mustill Store, was transformed into a museum. A walking bridge now connects the store to the Cascade Lofts building on North Street, where the brewery is located.

"These cascade locks saw 50 to 75 boats a day," Cook said. "You just had this traffic jam of people. They needed to find something to do. ... The area became a stopping point. Irish immigrants built this canal. The canal is quite literally why Akron is a city."

A 1913 flood ravaged the area. Rivers overflowed. As much rainfall that usually comes down over several months hit in four days. That was the end of the canal being the region's center of life.

"The whole idea for this location is simply because this can be an entryway into downtown Akron," Cook said. "Encourage people to come off the trail, have a bite to eat, encourage families to hike and bike together."

Creating a gateway to the city and its thriving beer culture isn't a bad idea. Established breweries - Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. and Hoppin' Frog Brewery - continue to grow steadily. Smaller ones are popping up in the city, and recent ones are expanding. R. Shea Brewing in the Merriman Valley recently announced an expansion project. And nearby Cuyahoga Falls has become a brewery district.

Troppe owns the 100-year-old building Lock 15 is in. The building, which used to be Swinehart Tire and Rubber Co., was slated for demolition. Now it houses 24 loft apartments; all are rented, Cook said. Adjacent to the brewery is the Trailhead event space, available for weddings and gatherings. It was Troppe who "really helped facilitate this becoming a reality - he's an executioner."

"He's always got a mind on preservation of history," Cook said. "That's part of our mission."

The idea for the brewery actually dates to a family party in 2010, when Cook ran into his first cousin, Joe Karpinski. A home brewer, Karpinski had made a Christmas Ale that blew away Cook.

"I said, 'Joe, this is really good,' " he said.

At first, like most ideas in their infancy, opening a brewery was "a pipe dream," Cook said.

A 38-year-old native of Akron, Cook actually comes from the restaurant side. He fondly remembers Liberty Brewing, the Akron brewery and brewpub that lasted from 1994 to 2001.

"They were well ahead of their time, being a place with good food and craft beer," he said.

The idea kept percolating and became a reality. Cook, general manager of Blu Jazz, and Karpinski are primary owners along with a 10-member investor group. Cook's restaurant background - he has worked in Philadelphia and New York City - is fitting in well as the brewery's build-out is coming along.

"Most of these (brewery) guys have a fear of food service," he said. "Someone once described it to me as a necessary evil."

Not for Cook, who describes himself as being "one of those victims of the Food Network. I've always loved food." He has a menu ready and Karpinski has beers planned for brewing.

The brewery aims to create "a transparency inviting to everybody, very family-friendly," Cook said. "Everything is about seeing the food, seeing the beer, the communal tables."

A 100-seat German-style patio is coming in addition to the 7,500-square-foot space. Beers will be named after historical places and origins. The main dining room and bar will seat 120 people, and distribution down the line is planned.

"The lesson I've learned - don't grow too fast, establish what you know," Cook said.

Much of the serious, required behind-the-scenes work is completed - HVAC, for instance - but there's more to be done. Cook is hopeful for opening in June with 16 taps - 10 of the brewery's and six guest handles. Its liquor license will allow for wine and spirits.

Seven core beer styles are going to be Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Porter, Stout and English Mild. Three seasonals will be habanero IPA, Belgian Tripel and possibly a strawberry-rhubarb ale, he said.

Food is a mix of traditional pub fare and creative offerings. So Banh-Mi sliders, crab-stuffed hush puppies and skillet corn bread will be served. Cook added "some of the decadent pub fare will remain; the fryers are in use." Nachos, soft pretzels and the like also will be available.

Gardens on the property will supply some of the greens. Eight beds exist, with room for 30 to 35 more, he said.

As the kitchen, renovation and brewing all come together, one simple goal remains, Cook said.

"To bring some attention to Akron," he said. "That's why we're here."

26 April, 2018