Brewery unveils major renovation and expanded culinary options

Food & Drink

Apr 1

Founders Brewing Co. will unveil a significant renovation of its taproom and kitchen on April 1, following a comprehensive upgrade designed to enhance the culinary and overall guest experience. The nearly $1 million project includes a complete kitchen renovation and a refresh of its front-of-house taproom areas to meet customers' evolving preferences. The brewery will host a free public launch party featuring live music, specialty taps, giveaways, and more on Saturday, April 13, to celebrate its grand reopening.

"This renovation is an evolution, not a revolution," said Lindsey Rodarmer, Director Corporate Communications and PR, Founders Brewing Co. "It's an opportunity to welcome our guests to a refreshed space while still keeping the focus on our amazing beer. The goal is to offer new and evolving food and drink options with an improved overall dining experience."

The decision to renovate stemmed from a decision to diversify the menu beyond sandwiches in response to customer feedback. The upgrades will improve operational efficiency, reduce food ticket times, and expand the menu.

As part of the renovation, the deli counter was closed to facilitate a complete kitchen remodel and expansion, allowing for the addition of grills, fryers, larger food storage, and other new, expanded equipment.

New menu items developed by Executive Chef Pete Engelhardt have been created to enhance the pairing of food with Founders' acclaimed beers. In addition to fan favorites such as the pretzel with beer cheese and Mug Clubber and Devil Dancer sandwiches, customers can now order a burger topped with KBS-infused bacon jam and French fries, Cajun shrimp appetizer, salmon entrée, chicken parmesan entrée, pickle-brined chicken wings, among other new items.

"We're having fun," said Engelhardt. "Founders is known for best-in-class beer and we want to elevate our food to match that."

The beer lineup remains robust, featuring favorites like KBS, All Day IPA, Nitro Oatmeal Stout, and Rubaeus. New additions include a Hazy IPA called "Mortal Bloom" and a local MI Pilsner.

In addition to the new beers, Founders is also offering new non-beer options like a gluten-free ginger lime seltzer, "Devil Root," a cranberry version, "Devil Froot," as well as a non-alcoholic hop water, "Hoppy Mood." Wine is now being provided by Fenn Valley Winery.

"We are making an effort to find more beverages that meet more customer preferences," said Jeremy Kosmicki, Brewmaster, Founders Brewing Co.

Overall, the taproom renovation mixes new with old. Changes include new paint and brass LED lighting fixtures, plus updates to the floors, tables, and layout to improve the overall flow. Additionally, the introduction of higher-quality physical menus responded to guest requests. Improved plateware and silverware further enhance the dining experience.

The brewery repurposed existing taproom tables and bar wood and kept its bar, which dates back to its original location at the Brassworks Building. Founders also kept the taproom art, like the Mosaic Promise Stained Glass piece. The taproom stage also remains for musical and other community art performances.

Vendors with key roles in the renovation process included Wolverine Construction, Gordon Food Service, re.dwell, Buist Electric, Merchandise Equipment, Galveston Painting, and Fenn Valley Winery.

For more information, visit https://foundersbrewing.com/.