A plan is brewing to turn a vacant storefront on Michigan Avenue in West Dearborn into a microbrewer.
Dearborn Brewing is starting renovations after months of approvals and paperwork, and after receiving brewing certification using funds from a recent completion of a Kickstarter campaign. It exceeded its fundraising expectation of $25,000 by $243, thanks to supporters, friends, family and strangers.
Founder John Rucinski wants to open the city's first brewpub and to support a city he loves.
"A lot of people have asked 'Why Dearborn?' Well, there are couple of really good reasons for it. I’m from Dearborn. I live here. I went to school here, and I believe it’s a good fit with the area," he says. "Plus, the water here is great for brewing. And that’s a big plus. And so is the huge response we've gotten from local residents who are excited for Dearborn to finally be getting a brewery."
If all goes as planned, Dearborn Brewing will open late summer. The brewing operation will be onsite as will a tap room and growler sales. The larger plan is to distribute Dearborn Brewing beer to local bars and restaurants.
Source: John Rucinski, founder, Dearborn Brewing
Writer: Kim North Shine
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