E-Malt.com News article: USA, OH: The Brew Kettle plans major expansion in Strongsville by summer 2016

The Brew Kettle makes world-class beers. Now it’s planning to do so in a world-class facility, Akron Beacon Journal reported on September 18.

The brewery unveiled plans on September 18 to build a nearly 40,000-square-foot facility in Strongsville to house a new restaurant, production brewery, brew-on-premise business, winery, distillery, outdoor patios and dedicated party room.

“We can’t think of a facility that has been built like this, of this size, in the last 100 years [in Ohio],” owner Chris Russo said. “From the ground up, it hasn’t been done in a long time.”

The Brew Kettle is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is one of Ohio’s oldest craft breweries. It’s known for award-winning brands such as White Rajah and Jack Hammer, and operating a popular brew-on-premise business that allows people to brew their own beer at its site.

But the company has faced a dilemma as its production brewery has run out of space and it tries to keep up with consumer demand.

That problem will be solved with the new facility on 12 acres near the intersection of Pearl and Whitney roads — about halfway between its current restaurant and brewery, which are now in separate locations but will be brought under one roof.

Russo declined to say how much money is being invested in the project. “A lot,” he said.

The hope is to have the new brewery operating by the summer. The company also expects to add another 30 to 40 employees to its current workforce of about 90.

The craft beer industry has exploded in Ohio in recent years. Not only are new breweries opening at a rapid pace, but existing ones are expanding to take advantage of a growing number of consumers who are shifting away from national brands.

“It is great to see one of the early generation craft breweries making expansion plans,” said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association.

“As the first brew-on-premise facility in Ohio, The Brew Kettle has always been a leader and role model for the new generation of craft brewers. Their expansion and innovation will continue to inspire others in the industry.”

The company is buying new brewing equipment, including larger fermenters and a bottling line, and graduating from a 20-barrel brewhouse to at least a 40-barrel system.

The brewery also plans to start canning some of its brands.

Russo said he’s particularly excited about the Brew Kettle being able to release brands that have been limited to the restaurant into the retail market thanks to the expansion.

The Brew Kettle now produces about 8,000 to 10,000 barrels a year. That capacity will rise to about 25,000 with the new brewhouse.

Brewer Jack Kephart said he’s excited about the project.

“A brewer only gets one chance to do something like this from the ground up,” he said. “It’s great to have the opportunity to make it right and make it how you want it and get the equipment that you want.”

The expansion is the latest in a string of positive news for the Brew Kettle brand.

A new Brew Kettle restaurant is expected to open in mid-October in Amherst and another, with a brew-on-premise business, is planned for next year in Ironton in southern Ohio.

“I want to keep this positive ball rolling,” Russo said.


23 September, 2015