Northern Michigan’s largest craft brewery, Short’s Brewing Co., has announced plans for a significant expansion of its Bellaire brewpub. Short’s is working on acquiring purchase agreements for a total of three lots and four buildings in the downtown area adjacent to their current location. The Village of Bellaire, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) and the State of Michigan have been involved in development of the expansion plans that will spread the Short’s brewpub into the two neighboring buildings directly south of the current location, effectively doubling floor space.
“It’s a great honor to continue growing in the community we’ve called home since day one,” said Joe Short, founder and CEO of Short’s. “We’re excited to take another step in the evolution of our company while creating even more reasons that Bellaire, Mich., will be a stand-out craft beer destination in the United States.”
This project was made possible through the partnership of Ken Fifelski, owner of the Bellaire Pharmacy and the two storefronts that Short’s will be incorporating. Fifelski shares the vision of restoring and beautifying the Bellaire downtown area, much of which will receive historical redevelopment as part of this project. The Bellaire Pharmacy will be moving across the road to 120 N. Bridge Street and the vacant lot directly south of that address will be converted to additional parking.
This brewpub expansion will mean additional seats for patrons and an update to the service model at the brewpub in order to increase efficiency and maintain the high level of customer service that Short’s patrons have come to expect. A brand new Short’s merchandise retail store will offer apparel, bar accessories, artwork, etc.
The estimated cost of the Short’s Bellaire expansion project is $1.2 million and will create 20 full-time jobs. Construction is expected to be completed before summer 2014.
