GREAT LAKES BREWING CO. CONFIRMS COMMITMENT TO OHIO CITY BREWPUB
Brewery Explores Production Expansion Opportunities While Retaining Ohio City Roots

CLEVELAND, Dec. 28, 2023 – Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) confirms plans to continue operations at their historic Ohio City brewpub and gift shop indefinitely while assessing potential sites for a new consolidated production facility in the Greater Cleveland area.

GLBC leadership are currently vetting potential sites for a new production facility, including properties in Avon and on the Scranton Peninsula in Cleveland’s Flats. While this capital project is still in its exploratory phase, the need for a new facility is evident as the craft brewery approaches its 36th year. Due to space limitations and growth challenges within its urban footprint, the brewery added a 67,000 square foot canning facility in Strongsville in 2020. A goal of the new facility is to consolidate all brewing and packaging operations under one roof.

“For us to grow and consistently produce the highest quality beverages, a larger modernized operation is needed,” said GLBC CEO Mark King. “Our current building is full of history and charm but limits us in terms of efficiency, output, and quality control. Having everything under one roof with more state-of-the-art amenities is vital for us to remain competitive and provide the safest, highest quality experience for our customers and staff. Our assessment of any potential build site must take all these factors into account.” Despite its limited footprint, GLBC was the 18th largest independent U.S. craft brewery by volume in 2022. The brewery’s expansion plans prioritize maintaining a strong hometown presence, keeping production in the Greater Cleveland area and continuing operation of its iconic Ohio City brewpub and gift shop, which have served the neighborhood since 1988.

“We understand what our brewpub means to Ohio City and there’s a mutual appreciation, so closing the brewpub has not been considered. We want to keep this special place running and serve our guests here for as long as we are able, while providing new, quality, and innovative products and experiences to even more consumers in a new production facility for years to come,” said King. The brewery continues to explore potential expansion opportunities, and updates will be shared as development progresses.