Breweries booming: 'hip, new trend'

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The city is seeing a sharp increase in the amount of business owners trying to open up new breweries or expand existing ones, according to Planning Director Suzanne Schulz.
 
It's a part of a nationwide trend. The United States brewery count grew from approximately 1,600 to almost 2,000 in 2011.

"People love beer," said Aaron Beard, manager of Brewery Vivant. "I believe that Michigan is like number five when it comes to breweries per capita. We're a beer town -- GR's a beer town. We're a beer state."
 
Brewery Vivant opened its doors in Cherry Hill about a year ago. They sold about 4,000 kegs of beer in 2011, according to operators. Customers run through 300 cases of cans a week, staff said. That's why they keep a dozen artisan beers on tap.
 
"It's been fantastic," said Beard. "Pretty good neighborhood spot. Loyal following."
 
Microbreweries currently employ about 100,000 Americans, according to the Microbrewing Association.
 
About a half dozen Grand Rapids breweries either expanded, opened or have plans to open in the near future, according to Schulz.

Elk Brewing is the current proposed brewery in front of the Planning Commission. Founders Brewing Company, located downtown, expanded last year. The city approved the openings of Harmony Brewery and Vivant Brewery, both on the southeast side, more than a year ago.
 
"They're popping up all over the place," said Baird Hawkings of the Corridor Authority Improvement. "It's a new trend. I think it's that the downtown has been doing very well for several years. It's now the neighborhoods' chance."
 
Opening night is just a few weeks away for Harmony Brewery.
 
Barry and Heather VanDyke teamed up with their brother Jackson to follow the trend and open up shop on Lake Drive in Eastown.
 
"We've got five taps with 150 gallons on each tap," said Barry VanDyke. "We're hoping that gets us through the first couple nights. That's almost 1,000 gallons of beer."
 
"It would be so neat if Grand Rapids becomes known for neighborhood brewing culture. That's just incredible," said Heather VanDyke.
 
Another building currently in the process of transforming into a brewery is located on Wealthy Street in Cherry Hill.  Owners met with the city's planning commission appeal board on Thursday as part of the long process.