Hoster Beer, a Columbus Classic, Returns to the Brewery Scene

 

Recently, a storied Columbus brand, Hoster Brewing Co., opened up its new taproom after a closure of over 20 years. The brewery, in an industrial park near the airport, occupies the former location of Actual Brewing.

 

On entering the Hoster taproom, you may feel as though you’ve walked into a bar from a bygone era, with a jukebox pumping out classics from the 1950s and ‘60s, a life-size Elvis Presley statue, and plenty of memorabilia on the walls harkening back to Hoster’s pre-Prohibition glory days. Tables feature peg solitaire games and chips, with pretzels available for free at the bar as well.

 

Long-time Columbus beer aficionados may recall Hoster’s original beer, Gold Top, a German-style Dortmunder lager first brewed in 1836. Gold Top has reappeared at the Ohio Taproom in Grandview over the past six months and now leads the lineup of Hoster’s signature beers at its taproom. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/hoster-beer-a-columbus-classic-returns-to-the-brewery-scene-mm1/

 

Standardized Brewing (and coffee) now open at Evans Farm

 

The idea of a neighborhood brewery doesn’t get any more neighborhood than Standardized Brewing.

 

The Evans Farm brewery and coffee shop is open at 5920 Evans Farm Drive.

 

The brewery is owned by Mark and Amy Robinson, Justyn and Roni Shye and Jason Kissel – the Robinsons and Shyes live in Evans Farm, just a brief walk from their new venture.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/05/24/standardized-brewing-and-coffee-now-open-at-evan.html

 

First Look: Hoof Hearted Brewing Opens New Taproom

 

Hoof Hearted Brewing has quietly opened the doors to its new taproom. The Marengo-based brewery has added a whole lot of color and a whole lot of beer to the former home of Brothers Drake Meadery at 26 E. Fifth Ave. in the Short North.

 

It was the bare bones of the meadery that interested Hoof Hearted, says Co-Owner Trevor Williams. It was a location they knew they could turn around quickly.

 

They’ve opened up the space, wrapping the bar around to the east side of the building. They’ll give the patio a refresh too, adding outdoor seating in the next couple of weeks. The bar also now has the signature Hoof Hearted look – bright colors and patterns, and artwork by local artist Thom Lessner that Williams calls the essence of the brand.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-hoof-hearted-brewing-opens-new-taproom-sp1/

 

Jason and Travis Kelce buy stake in Columbus-based Garage Beer

 

Ohio natives Jason and Travis Kelce, who already have an ongoing partnership with Columbus-based retailer Homage, have a new local business connection.

 

They’ve acquired an ownership stake in the Columbus-based Garage Beer brand.

 

The brothers announced the deal Wednesday morning on their popular podcast New Heights.

 

Travis: “We like beer.”

Jason: “We love beer.”

Travis: “So let’s do beer.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/06/12/travis-kelce-jason-kelce-garage-beer-columbus.html

 

 

 

Nocterra Brewing ready to open its Scioto Audubon taproom and restaurant

 

"For its new location, it’s bringing the beer while letting the Scioto Audubon Metro Park provide the outside.

 

The Powell-based craft brewery is getting ready to open its new location at 516 Maier Place. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant and taproom not only brings Nocterra to a new local neighborhood, it also will help bring its brand to life.

 

The Scioto Trail runs along the building and Scioto Audubon’s amenities, including its outdoor climbing wall and dog park, are right there as well.

 

The 5,000-square-foot space seats more than 300 between its first floor, mezzanine and patio."

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/06/25/nocterra-brewing-scioto-audubon-taproom-open.html

 

Nocterra Brewing sets Scioto Audubon opening date

 

Nocterra Brewing is ready to welcome customers into its new taproom and restaurant.

 

The Powell-based brewery will open its new location at 516 Maier Place alongside the Scioto Audubon Metro Park this Sunday.

 

Nocterra announced the official opening date Wednesday. Hours that day will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/06/27/nocterra-brewing-sets-scioto-audubon-opening-date.html

 

First Look: Nocterra Opens in Brewery District

 

A long awaited taproom and kitchen has officially opened its doors at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. 

 

Nocterra Brewing Co. Taproom and Kitchen opened June 30 at 516 Maier Place. The Powell-based brewery founded in 2019 by Bruce Vivian and Bryan and Lori Duncan announced its plans for an expansion in 2021. Located next to climbing gym Bloc Garten, the 5,000 square foot space was transformed into a taproom and barrel house with a full kitchen. 

 

The building has plenty of space to branch out. There’s seating on the first floor and a mezzanine level that looks into the Bloc Garten. The outside features a large, dog-friendly patio. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-nocterra-opens-in-brewery-district-ak1/

 

 

A little more on Nocterra at Scioto Audubon...

 

Nocterra Brewing taproom and restaurant at Scioto Audubon now open 

 

"Just in time for the Red, White & Boom! crowd seeking a bit more elbow room, Nocterra Brewing Co. has opened a new taproom inside the boundaries of the Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

 

The Powell-based brewery opened Sunday with more than 20 beers on tap and nearly 30 food options on its menu. Nocterra Brewing Co. - Audubon, 516 Maier Place, is open seven days a week and will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

 

Nocterra, started in 2019 by craft brewers Bryan Duncan and Bruce Vivian, isn't brewing at the Brewery District location, but is barrel-ageing its sours, imperial stouts and some other styles there.

 

Executive chef Chris Olexa's menu includes Spanish-, Latin- and Middle Eastern-influenced snacks and small plates. Diners also can order oysters, salads and sandwiches."

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/07/02/powell-nocterra-brewing-expands-brewery-district-taproom-beer-columbus-ohio/74279217007/

 

 

Tired of lines? Beer vending machine debuts at Land-Grant

 

If the line at the bar is too long at Land-Grant Brewing this weekend, patrons have a faster option: Columbus' first beer vending machine.

 

The Franklinton craft brewer is the first customer for VendGuard, a Columbus startup founded by three "tinkerers."

 

"As curious people do, we were thinking, 'We just want beer, why do we have to wait?'" co-founder Chris Sentz said.

 

The next weekend, they met at the garage of co-founder and inventor Rob Zwink, who's been a CTO for several startups making tech for secure real estate transactions, including a new startup in Columbus. They quickly developed a prototype that's been refined over several months.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/12/beer-vending-machine-land-grant.html

 

High Bank Distillery sets its Westerville opening date

 

High Bank Distillery’s new Westerville location has its opening date.

 

The restaurant and bar will open Aug. 20, the brand announced on Facebook.

 

The Central Ohio spirits maker and restaurant operator last spring announced plans to take over the historic post office building at 28 S. State St. with a restaurant on the ground floor and a speakeasy in the basement.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/07/high-bank-distillery-westerville-opening-date.html

 

New distillery, international expansion in Watershed Distillery's future plans

 

Watershed Distillery is growing steadily, but still thinking big.

 

The Columbus spirits maker last year was acquired by New Jersey-based Marussia Beverages USA, the U.S.-arm of Switzerland-based Marussia Beverages Group.

 

One year in, sales are up, employment is up and eventual expansion is on their mind both with a new distillery and international sales in the longer-term plan.

 

“We're sticking to our plan to go slow and steady and deep in markets and to try to replicate that community building that Watershed has done so well,” Marussia USA CEO John Horn said. “It's working.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/08/watershed-distillery-marussia-usa-growth.html

 

First Look: High Bank Opens Third Location in Historic Westerville Building

 

Westerville was once deemed the “Dry Capital of the World,” and now it’s the site of High Bank’s latest distillery. 

 

High Bank Distillery Co. opened its third location Tuesday at 28 S. State St. The space is around 3,600 square feet and features a full bar and restaurant as well as two patios and a retail shop. 

 

High Bank’s first location opened in Grandview in 2018 at 1051 Goodale Blvd., followed by a  second location in Gahanna in 2022 at 1379 E. Johnstown Rd.  

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-high-bank-opens-third-location-in-historic-westerville-building-ak1/

 

Voodoo Brewing coming to the Short North this fall

 

A Columbus entrepreneur is bringing a Pennsylvania brewpub to the Short North.

 

Erie-founded Voodoo Brewing Co. is coming this fall to 958 N. High St. thanks to local franchisee Srinivas “Sam” Madhamshetti.

 

The new brewpub is combining two Short North addresses – 958 N. High St., which previously was DeVine Tastings & Dining and closed in 2022 and 952 N. High St., which was Mouton, a cocktail bar that closed this summer.  

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/22/voodoo-brewing-opening-short-north-fall-2024.html

 

Land-Grant Brewing adding hard cider, canned cocktails to product mix

 

Land-Grant Brewing’s annual anniversary party will be serving up something different this year.

 

The Columbus craft brewery is celebrating 10 years of business Sept. 14 and while there is the usual selection of stalwart and special beers and a slate of live entertainment, the beer makers are expanding to be broader beverage makers.

 

Land-Grant will release two new product lines with its Low-Hanging Ciders, a new hard cider brand launching with tangerine cider, and Sunroom by Land-Grant, a new ready-to-drink cocktail line. The first two offerings there are strawberry lemonade and watermelon spritz.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/23/land-grant-brewing-hard-cider-canned-cocktails.html

 

Pretentious Barrel House in Columbus has closed. I just moved to Cleveland a little over a week ago and saw some of their 6 packs on a "Discontinued" shelf at Dave's, and man, they are really good. I love actual sour beers that arent just "tart fruit" beers, and theirs knock it out the park. Sad I missed them. Got the Percolator, Percolatte, and I forget the name, but it was aged in wine barrels. All 3 were solid, and I might go back to try to grab the rest of the 6 packs.

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/07/24/pretentious-barrel-house-columbus-brewery-closing/74531584007/

Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery taps unique partner for expansion

 

A new Ohio distiller is testing an idea that could shorten the wait for aged spirits.

 

Nelsonville’s Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery has teamed up with the Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad to put old train cars to a new use.

 

The two entities took an old railroad box car and turned it into a “rolling rickhouse” to store bourbon barrels for aging.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/07/black-diamond-brewery-distillery-rolling-rickhouse.html

 

Owner of Opa in Delaware buys Prohibition in Powell

 

Central Ohio bourbon fans have a reason to raise a glass.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/01/03/delaware-opa-acquires-prohibition-powell.html

 

First Look: Campfire Brewing Opens in Westerville

 

Campfire Brewing opened over the weekend to a crowd of excited customers. 

 

Located in Westerville at 6300 Frost Rd., Campfire Brewing opened Jan. 11. The brewery serves a variety of draft beers and cocktails in a family-friendly setting.

 

Campfire Brewing was opened by four Westerville neighbors who became friends as they united over their hobby of home brewing. After some discussions, they decided to create their own space to share their brews with even more neighbors.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-campfire-brewing-opens-in-westerville-ma1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/01/14/campfire-brewing-westerville-open.html

Noble Cut Distillery takes over former Gahanna brewery space, opens cocktail bar

 

A Central Ohio spirts maker is now in the cocktail bar business.

 

Noble Cut Distillery Thursday opens its first full bar in the space next to its 750 Cross Pointe Road production facility in Gahanna.

 

“We’ve had such significant growth in the last three years, but a lot of people still don’t know about Noble Cut,” founder Tony Guilfoy said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/02/06/noble-cut-distillery-opens-gahanna-bar.html

 

Gahanna Distillery Expanding into Space Next Door

 

Noble Cut Distillery expanded its Gahanna location and added a new concept to its name. 

 

Noble Cut Cocktails & Pints has made a home inside the former Heart State Brewing and Homestead Beer at 750 Cross Pointe Rd. in Gahanna. Located in the suite next door is Noble Cut Distillery, which was established in 2014 by Tony Guilfoy. 

 

This isn’t the first major change for Heart State Brewing and Homestead Beer Co. In February of 2024, Homestead Beer acquired Heart State. Now, both Homestead and Heart State have been acquired by Carroll-based Outerbelt Brewing. Noble Cut Distillery took over the space at the beginning of this February. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/gahanna-distillery-expanding-into-space-next-door-ak1/

 

Bridge's End Brewing plans to open this spring in Shawnee Hills

 

A Shawnee Hills craft brewery is getting closer to opening.

 

Bridge’s End Brewing, which has been in the works for a few years, expects to start serving its beers this spring.

 

The building is up at 9320 Dublin Road in Shawnee Hills and work continues inside to prep for its opening.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/02/26/bridges-end-brewing-open-spring-shawnee-hills.html

 

The Links at Trek Brewing now open in Newark

 

A Central Ohio craft brewery has a new pairing for its beers – golf.

 

Newark's Trek Brewing has opened The Links at Trek Brewing, a three-bay indoor golf simulator that lets players tee off at 60 different courses including Dublin’s Muirfield.

 

“I jokingly suggested doing this about two years ago,” owner John Ream said. “We’d seen some public courses close. A year ago I began to think this could actually work.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/12/the-links-trek-brewing-newark.html

 

New owner of Nostalgia Brewing hopes to grow with distribution, new taproom

 

The new owner of Nostalgia Brewing has been quiet since taking over that Gahanna business.

 

But Timm Miller, who bought the brewery in 2023, is ready to raise his beer’s profile with plans to increase production and hopes to open a second taproom.

 

Miller homebrewed for nearly two decades and, in is words, was a committed “brew hopper” who made his way to all of Central Ohio’s breweries.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/26/nostalgia-brewing-owner-grow-distribution-taproom.html

 

Echo Spirits Expanding North with Powell Winery Partnership

 

Local distillery Echo Spirits will soon be opening up a second location of sorts, up north in Delaware County. One of the partners involved in the distillery just acquired Soine Vineyard, located at 3510 Clark Shaw Road in Powell.

 

“This started out as an investment opportunity, but we need more production space,” explained Joe Bidinger, CEO and Founder of Echo Spirits.

 

Echo will operate the taproom, which will be dubbed “Echo Spirits on the Vine” while the winery side of the business will be rebranded as R&S Vineyards.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/echo-spirits-expanding-north-with-powell-winery-partnership-we1/

 

Echo Spirits Distillery expanding to Powell with new bar

 

A Columbus maker of rum, whiskey and other spirits is expanding to Powell.

 

Echo Spirits Distilling expects to open Echo Spirits on the Vine at 3510 Clark Shaw Road later this month.

 

The space previously was the Soine Vineyard. It’ll now house both a new Echo Spirits bar and R&S Vineyard & Wines.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/03/echo-spirits-distillery-expanding-powell-winery.html

 

Brewery expanding to Marysville in former Walking Distance Brewing space

 

An Ohio craft brewery is moving into the former Walking Distance Brewing space in Marysville.

 

Camp Brewing Base Camp hopes to open by May 16 at 222 E. 8th St., in time for Marysville’s first Uptown Friday event of the year.

 

Camp Brewing opened a year ago on a 29-acre property near Indian Lake that includes 119 RV sites, cabins and a pool.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/09/camp-brewing-walking-distance-brewing-marysville.html

 

Brewery District bar space could become a new distillery

 

The Brewery District could be getting a new distillery.

 

Property owner Terrestrial Investments LLC seeks to open a bar and distillery at 476-482 S. Front St.

 

The operator of the distillery is not indicated in any documents. Architect Gunzelman Architecture + Interiors has not responded to questions about the plans and the property owner could not yet be reached.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/15/brewery-district-bar-space-new-distillery.html

 

Collaborative Space for Minority-Owned Brewers Coming to North Central Columbus

Sizzle Perry developed a space for minority-owned beverage brands to connect after he witnessed firsthand the lack of diversity found in the beverage industry.

Mecca Beverage House is a craft beer incubator designed to support minority-owned brands. The facility, located at 745 Taylor Ave., is expected to open in June and will double as a production space and taproom.

“I think minority businesses need the opportunities to grow and incubate before they get out to stand on their own, almost like your child does,” Perry said. “Let’s let our businesses grow up under the same level of care and protection that our kids do before we send them out into the world and operate independently.”

Perry founded Central Ohio’s first Black-owned brewery, Crafted Culture Brewing Company, in 2019. 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/collaborative-space-for-minority-owned-brewers-coming-to-north-central-columbus-ak1/

On 4/15/2025 at 4:07 PM, ColDayMan said:

Brewery District bar space could become a new distillery

 

The Brewery District could be getting a new distillery.

 

Property owner Terrestrial Investments LLC seeks to open a bar and distillery at 476-482 S. Front St.

 

The operator of the distillery is not indicated in any documents. Architect Gunzelman Architecture + Interiors has not responded to questions about the plans and the property owner could not yet be reached.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/15/brewery-district-bar-space-new-distillery.html

 

Their plans for the building look nice so hopefully they can get it all done.

Camp Brewing opens Basecamp outpost Friday in Marysville

Marysville has regained a craft brewery.

Camp Brewing’s Basecamp location will open at 222 E. 8th St. Friday after a successful soft opening last weekend.

Initial hours will be 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. It’ll be closed on Tuesdays.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/05/21/camp-brewing-basecamp-opens-in-marysville-friday.html

Bridge's End Brewing now open in Shawnee Hills

Central Ohio added another craft brewery this week.

Bridge's End Brewing at 9320 Dublin Road in Shawnee Hills is now open.

Hours for the opening weekend are Friday and Saturday 3 to 11 p.m. with the kitchen open from 4 to 9 p.m; and Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day) 2 to 8 p.m., with the kitchen open 4 to 8 p.m.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/05/23/bridges-end-brewing-now-open-in-shawnee-hills.html

First Look: Dublin Welcomes Bridge’s End Brewing

Bridge’s End Brewing Co. opened on May 21 in the Shawnee Hills neighborhood with much anticipation.

The brewery serves a variety of draft beers and cocktails alongside a substantial menu in a new, spacious, and open building.

Owned by former surgeon Bill Schirmer, the business builds on his 30+ year legacy of home brewing. The pandemic inspired Schirmer to take the leap into opening his own brewery.

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-dublin-welcomes-bridges-end-brewing-mm1/

Dog Distilling to open this month in Lewis Center

Central Ohio is getting a new locally owned distillery this month.

Dog Distilling Co. and its cocktail bar open to the public June 19 at 3773 E. Powell Road in Lewis Center.

The Still House Bar at Dog Distilling is hosting private ticketed events June 13-15, tickets for which are available on its website.

Owners Kelly and Wes Stark and Lauri and Kevin Webb acquired the Powell Road property, which is the site of a historic schoolhouse, in January 2024.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/06/10/dog-distilling-opening-june-lewis-center.html

Dog Distilling bringing more than cocktails to new Lewis Center space

Dog Distilling Co. is a testament to community.

The new Central Ohio distillery, cocktail bar and event space opens to the public June 19 at 3773 E. Powell Road in Lewis Center.

While it’s a dream that owners Kelly and Wes Stark and Lauri and Kevin Webb have been working on for years, it’s been also been helped by the neighbors of the new space and fellow distillers in the area.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/06/13/dog-distilling-cocktails-lewis-center-polaris.html

Honest Friend targets October opening for South Side brewery and taproom

Honest Friend Brewing expects to start making friends this fall.

Owners Chris Carter, Will Gutmann and Kayla Lewis began work on the business in 2021. That long journey from concept to reality is nearing its end.

They expect to open their brewery at 2112 S. High St. in Steelton Village on the city’s South Side in October.

Carter said Honest Friend is taking everything they love about the brewery scene and maximizing it.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/06/13/honest-friend-brewing-targets-october-opening.html