Rendering of proposed BrewDog development in the Flats. Credit: Surface-id
This week, Cleveland edged closer to having a BrewDog location of its very own. The Scotland-based brewery presented plans for its proposed renovation at the Avian building in the Flats, which is being developed by Fred Geis. Cleveland’s Downtown/Flats design review committee has the proposal on its Thursday agenda.

This past December, USA CEO Jason Block confirmed to Scene that the company was in search of a Cleveland home, and now Block confirmed to Crain’s that they hope to build out a bar and restaurant (not a brewery) in more than 10,000 square feet of space on the Scranton Peninsula. There will be a “massive outdoor beer garden and outdoor space on the river, providing beer fans with an iconic experience,” says a spokesperson.

Launched in 2007 by a pair of young, brash beer lovers, BrewDog played by its own rules. By year two it had become Scotland’s largest independent brewery and by year five it was named the “Fastest Growing Company in Scotland.” With the opening in 2017 of its large Columbus brewery, the company established a presence in the States. Already they have expanded to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

We’ll know more about the project following upcoming meetings with the Flats/Downtown Design Review and Cleveland Planning Commission. Plans call for a 2021 opening.

BrewDog has been interested in establishing a presence in Cleveland since at least 2017, when former USA CEO Tanisha Robinson told Scene, “BrewDog Cleveland is in the works! We want Cleveland to be our first site outside of Columbus, and are currently scouting locations for a BrewDog bar.”

Credit: Vocon
Credit: Surface-id
Credit: Surface-id

This article appears in Apr 7-20, 2021.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.