Get ready, craft beer fans. A Michigan favorite is bringing a taproom and brewery to our area.
Founders Brewing Company announced on its website that it is opening the company's first Detroit taproom in a building in the Cass Corridor.
Despite the big name, the company has always stayed put in Grand Rapids.
The building is just a stone’s throw away from the Masonic Temple.
Founders is the most widely sold Michigan-based beer, selling in 38 states. It is among the top 20 largest craft breweries in the U.S.
Of course, Founders wouldn’t be the only game in town. The taproom isn’t far from Jolly Pumpkin, Motor City Brewing, and Batch Brewing.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. and Invest Detroit are serving as partners, putting $4 million into the project. The location on Charlotte Street is in the lower Cass Corridor but within walking distance of the District Detroit development and the new Little Caesars Arena.
"We've seen what they've been able to do in Grand Rapids and we know that they can have a very catalytic effect in our area as well and that's why we're so thrilled to have them here in Detroit," said Sue Mosey, president of Midtown Detroit.
The 14,000 square foot building has been vacant for years. The company's founders say the Detroit location will have its own distinctive look and feel and not be a copy of their Grand Rapids location.
"You start to look at Detroit and see the similarities, from Detroit to Founders and the struggles and what it represented and it became very obvious where this second location should be," said Mike Stevens who started Founders with Dave Engbers 20 years ago. "To us, it's Detroit. It's our home state, it's where we belong," Stevens said.
Founders notes on its site that it aims to open the taproom next winter. Construction is scheduled to begin sometime this summer.
We're embarking on a new adventure. Detroiters, we think you're gonna like this one. https://t.co/5bLKuLsgsN https://t.co/QyofdAI9Oe
— Founders Brewing Co. (@foundersbrewing) April 25, 2017
