Short's expands brewpub

Short's Brewing in Bellaire is planning to expand. And they don't mean adding on a patio and hiring a new bartender, either. 

 

The craft brewery is working on a $1.2 million deal with the help of the village of Bellaire, the state of Michigan, and the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance that would see them acquire three lots and four buildings adjacent to the current downtown Short's brewpub. In total, 20 full-time jobs are anticipated to be created.

 

The expansion will double the size of the existing brewpub, adding the two southerly neighboring buildings to its space. The next building is the Bellaire Pharmacy, and the final lot is a vacant lot nearby, which will be converted to additional parking for Short's.

 

In the expansion, more customer seating would be added, and a more efficient service model would be put into place, along with a new Short's retail store that would include things like bar accessories, apparel and artwork. The entire construction project is expected to be completed in time for the summer of 2014.

 

"It's a great honor to continue growing in the community we've called home since day one," says Joe Short, founder and CEO of Short's. "We're excited to take another step in the evolution of our company while creating even more reasons that Bellaire, Michigan, will be a stand-out craft beer destination in the United States."

 

The expansion is happening in partnership with Ken Fifelski, who owns the Bellaire Pharmacy and the two adjoining storefronts into which the brewpub will expand. The pharmacy itself would move across the street, to 120 N. Bridge Street.

 

"Fifelski shares the vision of restoring and beautifying the Bellaire downtown area, much of which will receive historical redevelopment as part of this project," stated the owners of Short's in their announcement.