Big changes are brewing at Great Lakes Brewing Co. The legendary Cleveland craft brewery is giving its historic Ohio City brewpub a major refresh. With a new executive chef, a reimagined menu, and exciting space upgrades, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is reaffirming why it’s one of the most beloved craft beer destinations in the Midwest. And frankly, we can’t wait to grab a pint. From the press release:
“We love this historic building, and we know our many visiting guests and regulars do too,” says General Manager Ashley Likavec. “We also know there are simple ways we can keep our guests more comfortable, engaged, and entertained when they stop in for drinks or a meal. Just as we’ve innovated and evolved our beer offerings over the years, we must do the same with our brewpub to attract new guests and retain what’s already worked well for us over three decades.”
A new menu, rooted in fresh and local
Executive Chef Christopher Suntala is leading the brewpub’s culinary transformation. The new menu puts local, seasonal ingredients front and center — a perfect match for GLBC’s longtime ethos of sustainability and community focus. Diners can expect a tighter menu packed with bar snacks, small plates, and hearty large plates. Great Lakes is leaning even harder into its partnerships with local farms, bakeries, and butchers — and daily specials will highlight the best seasonal ingredients northeast Ohio has to offer. It’s the kind of thoughtful, rooted approach we love to see in craft beer hospitality. From the press release:
“Our aim is to bring even better storytelling to this already storied Cleveland institution through our reimagined menu — getting back to honoring our local and sustainable roots. We are focused on diversifying our menu, from plate sizes and prices to satisfying a wider variety of dietary needs and preferences. And of course, I’m excited to use the beer as inspiration. We want each plate and pint to express the absolute best of Cleveland,” says Suntala.
Beer-infused and farm-fresh
Of course, it wouldn’t be a GLBC experience without some beer magic in the kitchen. Chef Suntala plans to incorporate house brews into creative new dishes, adding an extra level of flavor and fun. Great Lakes is even brewing a hot honey ale for the menu launch, featuring honey from the brewery’s sponsored hives at Ohio City Farm and Frayed Knot Farm. Beyond beer, the updated beverage menu will include cocktails made with local spirits, experimental hard seltzers, and plenty of non-alcoholic options.
Upgrades to the space
The refresh doesn’t stop at the kitchen. GLBC is giving its indoor-outdoor beer garden a sustainable facelift with eco-friendly upgrades, local art installations, and interactive photo ops. Downstairs, the basement “cellar” bar will get new TVs and a premium bourbon selection — just in time for game nights and cozy gatherings. The brewpub will temporarily close for renovations beginning April 28, with a full restaurant closure starting May 5. The soft reopening is scheduled for May 14. Gift shop operations and brewery tours will continue during the refresh with adjusted hours.
A brewpub that built a brewery district
It’s worth stepping back to appreciate the larger story here. When GLBC opened its doors in Ohio City back in 1988, there wasn’t a brewery district there yet. Great Lakes helped create it. Today, Ohio City is home to a vibrant collection of independent breweries, restaurants, and markets — a shining example of craft beer’s power to build community. Great Lakes Brewing Co. didn’t just ride the wave. They helped brew it.
Local sourcing, employee ownership and brewing good
As big fans of GLBC’s business model, we have to shout out a few things that make this brewery stand out:
- Employee owned: Since 2018, Great Lakes has been employee-owned — a rare and admirable move in today’s beer industry.
- Local focused: From Pint Size Farm to Ohio City Farm partnerships, GLBC walks the walk when it comes to local food and sustainability.
- Right-sized growth: They distribute to just 16 states and D.C., focusing on quality and community over unchecked expansion.
- Award-winning culture: GLBC has been recognized multiple times as a Top Workplace by The Plain Dealer.
Simply put: They get it. Great beer. Great community. Great people.
A Northeast Ohio powerhouse
And the rest of the country is noticing too. In the newly released 2024 Brewers Association rankings, Great Lakes Brewing Co. jumped into the top 20 craft breweries in America, landing at No. 18 by sales volume. In a tough year for craft beer, GLBC’s steady, smart, community-first approach continues to win.
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