E-Malt.com News article: USA, OH: Earnest Brew Works to open new taproom and small-batch facility in downtown Toledo

South Toledo's Earnest Brew Works said on August 16 it will open its new downtown taproom and small-batch facility next week, and is on track to unveil a larger production facility and taproom off Byrne Road next year, the Toledo Blade reported.

The downtown location, at 25 S. St. Clair — formerly home of Seed Coworking — will host its grand opening from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 25. To celebrate, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz will tap a large cask of beer, known as Kilderkin, the brewery said in an announcement.

Earnest said the new spot is modeled after the original, at 4342 S. Detroit Ave., including the casual atmosphere and allowing carry-in food. Hours will be 4-10 p.m. Thursdays, 2-11 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays, plus opening whenever the Mud Hens and Walleye play home games.

The downtown location, under construction since February, will brew small-batch experimental and limited-release beers while also serving its normal lineup of brews. To-go DORA cups and six-packs will be available.

Earnest, founded in 2016, also said Monday it has begun renovating a former Kroger, at 1415 Byrne Rd., with the goal of turning it into a 20-barrel production facility and taproom sometime in 2022.

The company said the new production facility will make nearly five times more beer as Earnest puts out now — a maximum of 10,000 barrels per year. It's expected to host 150 patrons inside and another 100 on the patio.

The company maxed out its production at 2,100 barrels of beer in 2020, four years after opening. Its owners previously said the expanded production facility will allow the company to can and distribute Earnest beer throughout the state, not only in northwest Ohio.

The original Detroit Avenue facility will stay open until the converted Kroger location opens.

Earnest said it expects to create 25 new full- and part-time jobs as part of the expansions. Co-owner Scot Yarnell told The Blade in February the company's total investment to acquire and renovate both locations is expected to be more than $2 million.


17 August, 2021