MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The Burn ‘Em Brewing crew is setting its sights on downtown with a planned expansion at 1215 E. 2nd St.
“It is important to us to keep our business here in Michigan City. We have been on the outskirts of town for almost seven years now, and downtown is important to us as we feel it will bring us closer to the city and its people,” said Steve Murray, Burn ‘Em Brewing head brewer and one of the Michigan City friends who opened the brewery in 2014. “We feel that we will be able to participate and give back to the city better with a closer proximity to downtown.”
The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission has approved the concept and vision for the site as well as Burn ‘Em’s purchase of the former warehouse building for its approximately $1.6 million plans.
“For years, we have been laying the groundwork for these types of projects as we look to create a vibrant downtown with even more amenities,” said Chris Chatfield, president of the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission and VP, Senior Commercial Loan Officer, at Horizon Bank. “Connectivity to downtown is a tenet of our plans as we look ahead to the 11th Street station project completion. We are cognizant of needing to beef up our hospitality side with more offerings, such as Burn ‘Em’s new home.”
“The team will add even more vitality to downtown with a new spot to gather with family, friend and neighbors over food or drinks,” added EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse. “These are the types of projects that are really exciting as they not only add value in terms of job creation and tourism dollars, but also in quality of life with a fresh energy.”
The brewery, currently located at 718 Freyer Road, is expected to almost double production, expand distribution, add 20 to 30 full-time jobs, and create an event center, taproom space, patio and full-scratch kitchen.
“The 2,000-square-foot facility was not conducive to growth, so the team had been looking for a new spot to take their brewery to the next level,” Hulse said. “We are looking forward to welcoming them to the downtown area as we see momentum stem from the Double Track and 11th Street station developments.”
Murray said the project is expected to break ground in the next few months with a target opening timeframe in the fall of 2022 or spring 2023.
“We are an eclectic bunch, and we make everyone feel welcome. We appeal to the locals, as much as we do to the tourist crowd, and we feel that is something that needs to be an important part of this downtown,” Murray said.