Discover Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery. Independent for over 30 years and employee owned since 2018, we are proud to serve 14 states and Washington D.C. with an award-winning and beloved selection of fresh, flavorful, and innovative craft beers. From year-round favorites like Dortmunder Gold Lager and Hazecraft IPA to seasonal classics like Christmas Ale and Oktoberfest, to our innovative limited releases and pub exclusive offerings, we hope you’ll crack one open with us soon, because we remain committed to the craft.
Our History
1988
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Brothers Pat and Dan Conway open the GLBC brewpub in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood
1990
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Dortmunder Gold Lager wins GLBC its first Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival
1992
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The former Fries & Schuele Dept. Store becomes the site of GLBC’s new 30 bbl. brewhouse, allowing for regional distribution
1992
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Christmas Ale, the beloved seasonal, debuts at the brewpub
1998
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GLBC opens its current 75 bbl. production brewery in the former Leonard Schlather Brewing Co.’s stables and grain storage
1999
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GLBC is officially categorized as a Regional Brewery (over 15k bbls production)
2001
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GLBC’s beer and music festival Burning River Fest debuts, raising awareness and funds for clean water initiatives
2008
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Pint Size Farm is established by GLBC at Hale Farm & Village in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
2010
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GLBC staff participate in the company’s first annual employee summit
2010
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GLBC joins a collective to establish Ohio City Farm, just down the street from the brewery
2011
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The brewery surpasses 100k bbls per year and lands in the top 20 craft brewers list (by production) for the first time
2017
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A 2 bbl. Pilot System is installed, allowing for even more innovation, creativity, and research
2018
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GLBC co-workers become employee owners, thanks to the establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan
2020
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GLBC introduces a new canning line and warehouse facility, bringing iconic and exciting new brands to cans for the first time
2022
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GLBC becomes the official craft beer of the Cleveland Cavaliers and opens the Great Lakes Experience at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
2023
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GLBC celebrates 35 years of independent, innovative, award-winning craft beer.
