USA, OH: New Berlin Brewing Co. getting ready for launch in North Canton

An empty electrical box hangs on the wall in a closet at the back of New Berlin Brewing Co. at 1664 N. Main St. in the Marc’s plaza in North Canton. Owner Mike Leckie-Ewing said the electrical panel, which he has been waiting on for more than six weeks, is the final piece the brewery needs to open, The Repository reported on September 6.

Siemens, the company delivering the electrical panel, has given Leckie-Ewing multiple ship dates for the panel, delaying it each time. It has been a headache for 53-year-old Leckie-Ewing and has pushed the brewery opening back to mid-to-late September, if he’s lucky.

“So hopefully, (we can open) within a week of when we get the part (which is now expected Sept. 13),” Leckie-Ewing said.

He hopes to open the doors as soon as he can and “might have a grand opening down the road from there,” he said, noting that his intent is to be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. five to six days a week, making sure his staff is happy with the hours and will have the time off they need.

As for when the brewery does open, Leckie-Ewing plans to have 12 beers on tap, and Crowlers will be available so guests can get beer to go.

“We intend to have some styles that you’ll know will be here," he said. "We’re going to focus on German styles, but we will still have IPAs and things of that nature because those are popular, and folks like them, including myself.”

Leckie-Ewing said the seven-barrel brewery will have its liquor license voted on in November to have a full license, so starting in January, the brewery hopefully will have a full cocktail menu. Plans to distribute may come later, he said.

“Once we get our systems down, once we’re sure of water balance and that we’re making good beer, then we might expand,” Leckie-Ewing said.