Founders Brewing brings the love of craft-brewed beer into the light of day

The love of good beer is behind everything Founders Brewing creates, and that includes its new 3,000-square-foot beer garden on the front lawn of the pub, something co-owner Mike Stevens dubs "a drinkin' man's Disney Land." It's part of a $26 million expansion at 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids.

The beer garden opened last week, bringing lovers of good craft beer outside to a space decked out with comfortable seating, a roofed area, and creature comforts to keep patrons plenty warm in the cool months: open fire pits, overhead heaters, and outdoor bar service.

In addition to the beer garden, a larger indoor taproom offers customers more seating inside. Co-owner Dave Engbers says improving the Founders experience is the reason for the expansion inside and out.  

"Everything we do is in an effort to make our beer better and to make our employees' jobs better and to give our customers the best experience we can," Engbers says. "Grand Rapids is getting all the attention as Beer City USA, and as the largest brewery in Grand Rapids we feel it's our responsibility to make sure that we lead by example."

Relocating the original bar from Founders' first pub in the iconic Brass Works Building on N. Monroe Avenue to the expanded taproom tugged at the heartstrings, Engbers says. "Mike and I both spent many a night behind that bar and it has a lot of sentimental value to us and to our patrons that have been original mug club members. We commissioned it ourselves for the Brass Works building. When we brought it into the new space, I went down to see it and it actually brought tears to my eyes. I haven't seen it in seven years."

Founders’ next project is to finish up the interior space where the company will hold its beer school, which should start in late 2013.

Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
Photos courtesy of Dan Miller, The Beer Truck

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