GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Staff is completely redoing the kitchen at Founders Taproom in Grand Rapids, and work is progressing well.
The brewery closed its kitchen on February 18th, but customers were still able to stop by for a beer until March 4th, when the taproom was permanently closed.
Founders told News 8 on Tuesday that a lot of progress has been made in the past week, with the HVAC in the kitchen completed and a new walk-in cooler and freezer hooked up to the refrigeration unit.
The staff also finished the tiles and walls in the kitchen. In the bar area, the ceiling has been painted, the walls are finished, and the walls of the booths and host stands are framed.
The taproom tables have also been refinished.
Crews will soon complete installing plumbing, electrical and fire suppression components to the kitchen. We also plan to install new taproom lighting fixtures and kitchen equipment. After the new walls are covered with drywall, they are painted just like the walls in the retail store.
This project is The industry is still changing since the pandemic, resulting in reduced foot traffic. By redoing the kitchen, the team hopes to be able to add more options to the menu and stay competitive.
“We felt we needed to upgrade our menu offerings,” says executive chef Peter Engelhardt. previously told News 8. “We felt like a lot of people wouldn't come at night because they wanted something other than a sandwich.”
The expanded menu includes burgers, fries and other appetizers.
While some may be nervous about changing the way Founders has operated for the past 15 years, Engelhardt said the team overall is excited.
“Change is scary,” he said. “People don't like change, but change brings a lot of opportunities.”
Founders Taproom Scheduled to reopen During April.
