LYNN CZARNECKI, For the Gazette
Daily Mining Gazette, 10/4/2005
HOUGHTON - Exciting things have been happening in downtown Houghton. Local businesses worked hard all summer to find new ways to attract the masses and the Keweenaw Brewing Co. was no exception.
Just a little over a year old, the KBC is already expanding.
The new addition houses a 10-tap bar, an upgrade from the six-tap set-up that started it all in April 2004.
Together, the new and old rooms will serve as a smoking and non-smoking division when the brewery is busiest.
During the week, however, the older side will be the only room open.
Couches and a fireplace are adding to the atmosphere with the promise of having local musicians come in and share their talents.
There will also be wireless Internet for computing pleasures and a foosball table to encourage friendly competition.
There aren't, however, any plans to make the brewery into a restaurant.
"I am excited about the new addition because I will be able to enjoy a beer and work on my homework at the same time," said Michael Linder, a regular customer and student at Michigan Tech University.
Even with the new addition open, KBC co-owners Dick Gray and Paul Boissevain have little time for rest and relaxation.
Over the next few months, property recently purchased in South Range will become the main building focus. This new location will house the brewing and canning of the four main beers: Pickaxe Blonde, Magnum Pale, Redjacket Amber and Hilde's Brown.
"When this location is completed, people will be able to take tours of the facility as well as pick up a six-pack or a growler in South Range," said Gray.
Sergio Buoniconti/Daily Mining Gazette
CAPTION: Ryan Gray, a bartender at the Keweenaw Brewing Co., moves one of the chairs into position around the fireplace in the pub's new addition. The final touches and inspections are planned for this week with hopes that it will be open to the public this weekend.