If you are searching for your next sip that is not only rich in flavor but also rich in culture and history, look no further than this gem at the heart of downtown Grand Rapids — the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.
The long and winding history of Grand Rapids Brewing Company goes way back to the late nineteenth century. The brewing industry in Grand Rapids started during the 1800s when the locals decided to capitalize on the location’s abundant supply of fresh spring water. The city as a whole was growing and so was its brewing scene. Dozens of local breweries sprouted everywhere to quench the thirst of the quickly increasing number of beer enthusiasts.
Over several decades, this local brewing scene flourished. United by a single goal and vision of creating one monumental symbol of the beer culture that Grand Rapids is gradually being known for, six breweries came together and established Grand Rapids Brewing Company on the first day of the year 1893.
Not long after building the original Grand Rapids Brewing Company brewery at the corner of Michigan Street and Ionia Avenue, GRBC thrived into becoming one of the biggest and most popular breweries in the Midwest. Its nicely light and crisp flagship beer, the Silver Foam, was a hit with locals and tourists alike. Unsurprisingly, this classic easy-drinking lager has stood the test of time and can still be ordered at GRBC up until today.
Unfortunately, no success story is complete without a few adversities along the way. In 1920, the Prohibition — a nationwide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of any alcoholic beverage — led breweries to cease their operations and eventually close down entirely. Sadly, one of these breweries is GRBC. Although this legislation was generally difficult to enforce across the country and only lasted until 1933, its economic ramifications to the brewing industry lasted even decades after it was repealed. In 1951, the last remaining brewery in Grand Rapids closed down, signaling the end of a once vibrant brewing scene.
However, it seems that Grand Rapids is destined to be the Beer City that it is today. Voted as the Best Beer Town and Best Beer Scene in national polls, Grand Rapids breweries experienced a rebirth towards the end of the 20th century. Nowadays, the city is home to a myriad of homegrown breweries and beer bars and at the forefront of this award-winning town is the equally remarkable Grand Rapids Brewing Company.
In 2012, BarFly Ventures — the brilliant company behind two other well-loved bar and restaurant brands, HopCat and Stella’s Lounge — brought Grand Rapids Brewing Company back home where it truly belongs. Led by BarFly Ventures founder and owner Mark Sellers, GRBC finally reopened in downtown Grand Rapids on December 5, 2012.
According to GRBC Head Brewer Ernie Richards, today’s GRBC is all about the fusion of the art and science of brewery accompanied by the company’s mission of providing its customers with “innovative and unique experiences”. When you visit GRBC, you can not only enjoy both their classic and experimental craft beers, but also their delectable food that goes well with their drinks. Perhaps you can try their Sweet Potato Street Tacos or maybe their Vintage Burger, a half-pound burger with aged white cheddar, tomato, lettuce, red onion, and garlic aioli.
It’s also quite interesting how GRBC fosters a sense of community by occasionally collaborating with the locals in creating new kinds and flavors of beer. For instance, a recent addition to their beer lineup called We Put a Flame On It came about after teaming up with one of their patrons. It is a stout made with coffee, chocolate, and chipotle pepper.
In line with its parent company’s commitment to having a sustainable future, GRBC has a great recycling and composting program and the pub itself was built with various reclaimed materials. The floors, furniture, and other decorations inside this Grand Rapids pub are restored and crafted by local artisans. This way, GRBC gives back to the town and community that set forth its birth and rebirth.
To further highlight the classic-yet-contemporary vibe and identity that is uniquely GRBC, a Game Room was built at the back of the pub in December 2016. This awesome addition to the pub also marks the fourth anniversary of GRBC. It features nostalgia-inducing 80s and 90s arcade games such as Defender, Moon Patrol, Tetris, Hoop Fever, and Wallhooky, as well as classic beer night games like foosball, air hockey, darts, and ping-pong. Who says games are for kids only, right? GRBC offers us grown-ups the chance to unleash our inner child while enjoying their delicious food and drinks. What’s even greater is that you can play all these games for free.
Evidently, the creative experiences that GRBC offers its patrons are such big hits. Grand Rapids Magazine named GRBC’s Game Room as Best Grown-Up Arcade of 2017. GRBC’s Trivia Night — which you can join and enjoy every Wednesday at 8 pm — was also part of Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of Grand Rapids Survey. So whether you are craving for a simple and chill evening out, or a fun and challenging one, GRBC has got you covered.
Because Grand Rapids Brewing Company is indeed a notable destination for both locals and tourists, GRBC makes sure that you can take home a souvenir to remember the amazing time you had at their pub. You can either get a Bottle-to-Go, a 22 oz glass bomber with customized artwork, or join their Mug Club to get a 19.5 oz mug with customized engraving and discounts every time you visit GRBC.
If you are ready for a unique beer drinking experience, you can drop by Grand Rapids Brewing Company in downtown Grand Rapids at 1 Ionia Avenue, Southwest Michigan. Want to enjoy their craft beers and delicious food in the comfort of your own home? No worries. You can give GRBC a call at (616) 458-7000 to have them delivered to you.