USA, MI: Handmap Brewing set to open its doors in Battle Creek in February

Battle Creek residents will get to experience a new brewery this winter, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported on November 12.

Handmap Brewing is on pace to open their doors in February, according to co-owners Jennifer Brown and Chris McCleary.

As of right now, the brewery, located at 15 Carlyle St. in downtown Battle Creek at the newly renovated Record Box building, has the frame of the bar in place, the beer cooler built and installed, most of their brewing equipment in place and some of the painting done.

"Some of the toughest parts are done, which is nice," Brown said. "But there's still a lot to do. We're busy."

The brewery also has most of their licensing complete, but they are still waiting on their final health inspection.

The Record Box Loft event space is set to open in the next couple of weeks. Owners Cody and Caitlynn Newman recently announced they are hosting musician Benny Bassett for a concert on the upstairs floor of the building on November 22.

The brewery will remain under construction after the event space opens.

“There’s been some confusion that people think we are opening at the same time as the [the Record Box Loft] upstairs, which isn’t the case,” Brown said.

Once the brewery is completed, Cody Newman believes the brewery and Record Box Loft can collaborate on events and mutually benefit each other.

"We're really excited to have them," he said. "It's a perfect fit. It will tie in well with the event space and work space."

The brewery still needs to finish the bar and complete the installation of the brewing equipment and construction of the kitchen and outdoor patio.

McCleary, who is in charge of the brewing operations, also needs about two months to brew his first batches of beer.

“The last thing you want to do is run out of beer when you first open,” he said.

A winter opening date is beneficial for the business, because they anticipate less activity in the winter. It will give them the opportunity to ease into the anticipated heavy traffic of spring.

“We need to stay on course with our schedule and timeline, because opening in the winter is important,” Brown said.

Once completed, the brewery will include a bar that seats 30 to 35 people, along with additional table seating surrounding it. There will also be an outdoor patio and access to the brewing room.

The brewery will eventually offer 16 beers on tap, although there will be fewer offerings initially.

“We’re taking it slow for right now because we want everything in place before we let people through the door,” McCleary said. “But we’re anxious and excited. It’s been coming together great as of right now.”

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