USA, MI: Saugatuck Brewing about ready to open new downtown Kalamazoo location

Saugatuck Brewing is about ready to open at its new downtown Kalamazoo location, mlive.com reported on April 4.

The brewing company will open Monday, April 10, at its new location, 200 E. Michigan Ave, with a ribbon cutting at noon. That spot used to be home to the Olde Peninsula Brewpub and Restaurant, which closed in July 2021.

Saugatuck Brewing is based in Douglas (just south of Saugatuck) and also has a location in Grand Rapids. It closed its previous Kalamazoo location, 140 S. Westnedge Ave., in June 2022 to make the move.

“At Saugatuck Brewing Company, we pride ourselves on being a cozy and lively, yet laid-back atmosphere, offering a quintessential space to surround yourself with good company and enjoy fresh craft beer, delicious pub fare, and great conversations!” the brewery said in a Facebook post April 4, announcing the grand opening.

The space has 169 seats and will feature 13 taps, as well as cocktails. The food menu features everything from smash burgers to a vegan Mediterranean bowl.

The plan was to open months sooner in the new location, but it took longer than expected to get things approved, Michael Biddick, food and beverage director with Saugatuck, previously told the Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive.

“While we anticipated opening much sooner, we were faced with unexpected challenges, resulting in an extended delay,” the Facebook post said. “However, with spirits high, we have been all hands on deck to finish up the project so we can once again open our doors to our friends, family, neighbors and Kalamazoo visitors.”

There have been numerous renovations, including replacing all tap lines, removing some of the window coverings and painting to lighten up the space, replacing the vinyl in the booths and taking out some carpet and replacing it with a commercial vinyl flooring with a wood feel, Biddick said. The wood flooring in the room off East Michigan Avenue is staying as it was, he said.

Saugatuck will brew beer on site, including traditional favorites and some new, location-specific beers. The first new one is called O.P.P. – short for Olde Peninsula Porter – to pay tribute to the building’s heritage.

Private label liquor and wine will also be served on site.

Saugatuck Brewing is open noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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