USA, MI: Grand Rapids Brewing Company closing for good following fire

Grand Rapids Brewing Company, a brewery that has existed in various locations for over 130 years, has announced that its downtown Grand Rapids location will not be reopening.

GRBC was forced to close its doors to the public in February when a fire heavily damaged the HVAC and kitchen of the restaurant located at 1 Ionia Ave. SW. And Friday morning the restaurant announced that, while GRBC may pop up again somewhere else, it will not reopen the current location.

Many would argue that Grand Rapids becoming Beer City, USA began with the formation of Grand Rapids Brewing Company back in 1893. To fight back against bigger national brewers who were taking over the beer scene, six local breweries in Grand Rapids came together and opened GRBC.

The brewery was forced to cease production in 1920 due to Prohibition. When Prohibition ended, GRBC moved out of town.

The brewery made its return to Downtown Grand Rapids in 2012.

In a release posted on their website, Ned Lidvall, CEO of Project BarFly, the parent company of GRBC said,

“Downtown Grand Rapids has been our cherished home, where each pint represented craftsmanship, community, and resilience. Let’s raise a final toast to the memories and friendships made. To our team and the city of Grand Rapids, thank you for being part of our journey.

“This doesn't mean that it's the end for Grand Rapids Brewing Company, however. On Facebook, the brewery said,

“We hold onto hope for a future where Grand Rapids Brewing Company may once again call Grand Rapids home. For now, though, 1 Ionia Ave SW bids us farewell.”

29 March, 2024