GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Brewing Company announced today it will close its doors permanently. The news comes weeks after a kitchen fire caused thousands of dollars in damage.
The brewery bids farewell to its location at 1 Ionia Avenue SW.
“I'm very thankful for Grand Rapids Brewing Company and as much as I’m very sad that it's closing it's not going to take away the great memories that it's given me,” Andrea Martindale said.
Andrea Martindale was emotional as she recalled the memories made at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. She’s had the honor of becoming friends with employees of the bar and it’s where her daughter learned to walk. She said the memories will last a lifetime.
“It was where my husband and I had our first date and then a year later we got engaged after having dinner here at that table right over there,” Martindale said. "It means more to us more than just building to me. It was part of our beginning of our relationship.”
Aleida Gorenflo and her mother-in-law walked 30 minutes to enjoy her favorite fried pickles. After she tried opening the door she saw a sign posted. That’s when she learned they were closed for good.
“I’m sad to see it go because one of my favorite parts right here was my fried pickles,” Aleida Gorenflo said. I love my people here and I have special memories because I had a couple of dates here and we double-dated so that was amazing, it's memories you make.”
Candice Smith, owner of Tours Around Michigan, said the brewery has been a historical giant in the community. Many formed friendships and memories through these four walls. She said it’s a huge loss for the community.
“It's always sad to see a place like this close because our breweries have become such an important part of not just going out and having a beer or having a beer flight, but it's important to us as a community,” Smith said.
Martindale said she will never forget how kind the staff were to her, including her now-friend Chris, who attended her wedding.
“Holly has been our server on Monday nights for the past 10 years and they just became family,” Martindale said. "They're just the nicest most wonderful humans and they just knew your drink order they knew your mug number they knew everything you were going to order, they just were great people.”
The brewery expressed its gratitude and appreciation to customers who, for the past 11 years, made GRBC one of the most sought-after and iconic in West Michigan. They ended their Facebook page saying, “For now, though, 1 Ionia Ave SW bids us farewell."
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