USA, IL: Black & Gray Brewing Co. moving forward with expansion plans

Black & Gray Brewing Co. in East Dundee is moving forward with construction that will more than double taproom space and triple production abilities at its location at 311 Barrington Ave., the Daily Herald reported on September 27.

The brewery will be taking over the vacant unit to the east of its current space. The expansion will increase the size of the brewery and taproom from 2,500 square foot to 6,000 square foot, plus additional patio space.

"Eventual expansion became the plan shortly after we opened," said Chris Kennedy, director of brewery operations. "Production-wise, we were hitting our year 4 projections in our first year and we brew on a very small brewhouse. When COVID shutdowns occurred, we pivoted to distribution to keep us afloat. Now that the taproom is back open and we have a solid distribution footprint in the Fox Valley, we can't brew enough beer to supply both parts of the business. We've had to bring guest taps in for the taproom, and we have multiple distribution deals waiting on us to increase our capacity so we can supply them with beer."

Black & Gray Brewing Co. will be installing a 5 BBL brewhouse built by Blichmann Engineering, as well as seven new fermenters and two brite tanks in addition to the four fermenters and one brite tank already operational. The 2 BBL brewhouse the brewery uses currently will become the pilot system for the brewery.

The taproom will increase its taps to 24, which will allow Black & Gray Brewing Co. to continue serving the styles customers have grown to love, while allowing for more experimental or unusual styles. Bar seating will double, as will the number of tables. Gaming will be available in the new space, as well as dart boards.

"Twenty-four taps will allow us to really cater to a diverse crowd of beer drinkers," CEO Teresa Kennedy stated, "and the added room will allow us to fit everyone in comfortably. We have created a great community in the taproom and this expansion will allow us to grow that community, bring in new events and vendors, and allow us to host private events without having to close the taproom to the public."

The project, which is slated to be finished by February 2022, is headed up by TAB Construction Management who completed the initial build out for the brewery.

Founded in 2018, Black & Gray Brewing Co. opened its doors in February 2019 after building a nanobrewery and taproom at 311 Barrington Ave. in downtown East Dundee. A certified Independent Brewery by the Brewer's Association, Black & Gray Brewing Co. is a 100% woman-owned small business.

28 September, 2021