Business & Tech
Fat Head’s Brewery Doubles Down in Middleburg Heights
The popular brewery announced a $12 million relocation and expansion plan, which would translate to scores of new jobs.
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH — Fat Head’s Brewery has just announced an ambitious $12 million expansion project that would create a 125,000-square-foot central brewery and 250-seat tap house on eight acres off Bagley and Engle Roads in Middleburg Heights, near Interstate 71.
The development aims to bring 74 new jobs to the City, and increase Fat Head’s annual brewing capacity from 30,000 to 60,000 barrels within five years time.
The existing Sheldon Road location would close when the new site opens in late 2017 or early 2018, and construction will not begin until the Middleburg Heights Division of Building and City Council approve the plan; however, approval is anticipated in the coming months.
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“As Fat Head’s looked to the future to accommodate continued growth, the City of Middleburg Heights once again found itself in competition with other cities and states for the major expansion,” according to Charles Bichara, the Middleburg Heights’ Director of Economic Development. “The new brewery and restaurant will be unique to Middleburg Heights, and will offer a dining experience like no other in the region.”
Apart from job growth, the multi-million-dollar project also aims to attract bus tours and beer enthusiasts from around the region and country who want to get a firsthand look and taste of the central brewery.
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“The close relationship developed and fostered between the City of Middleburg Heights and Fat Head’s proved to be the deciding factor in keeping this award-winning brewery in our great city,” said Middleburg Heights’ Mayor Gary Starr. “We’re eager to explore their plans and work together in building a facility that will attract people from all corners of the region and beyond.”
Fat Head’s Brewery opened in Middleburg Heights in 2011 and is now the second largest craft beer brewery – by annual capacity – in the State of Ohio. Fat Head’s also has locations in North Olmsted, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Portland, Oregon.
Photo courtesy of Fat Head’s Brewery
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