Des Moines PR Announcement 2021

Media Contact: Janelle Buxton, Big Grove Brewery, (970) 342-3545, marketing@biggrovebrewery.com

Big Grove Brewery proposed to open summer 2022 in Des Moines

[Iowa City, IA]: Big Grove Brewery is honored to announce its newest brewery and taproom location scheduled to open in Des Moines in 2022. Plans for the 15-barrel brewery and taproom are proposed to be located on the eastern side of the Crescent Chevrolet Building as part of the Ingersoll corridor project.

This milestone is a major move for Big Grove Brewery. “For me, it was crazy because I came back to Iowa eight years ago to complete our dream of opening a location in Solon. For the longest time, we didn’t think anything past that. I’m thrilled by our growth and bringing the magic of Big Grove to Des Moines. It is a perfect next step,” says Doug Goettsch, co-owner of Big Grove.

Big Grove looks forward to contributing to an already successful and growing craft beer scene in Des Moines, while furthering efforts to make the state of Iowa a craft beer destination. “In Des Moines, we plan to cover a full range of beer styles, from barrel aged sours to hazy double IPAs and everything in between,” said Head Brewer Andy Joynt. “Quality and freshness are important to us, so it’s great to get people closer to the source.”

Much like the different ranges in beer, distinct types of cuisines will be offered, “Our chefs are developing a vibrant menu ranging from traditional and approachable brewery fare to global street food, as well as vegan and gluten-friendly options,” said Big Grove Culinary Director and 2018 Iowa Restaurateur of the Year, Benjamin Smart.

For service-style, Big Grove is looking to do a hybrid model. There will be a large full service section, but if you choose to, you can sit in a self service section which “allows flexibility for bigger parties and people to get up and mingle and just have a different experience that doesn’t confine them to their table,” said Smart. A heavy emphasis will be placed on the experience, especially for families. “Families come and feel welcome, and kids have a place to come around and play while parents gather.” commented Goettsch.

Krause+ will be overseeing the building of Big Grove Des Moines and the redevelopment of 5.5 acres including the Crescent block on the north side of Ingersoll Avenue, which aims to eventually connect pedestrian and bicycle traffic. According to Jerry Haberman, President of Krause+, “We have always envisioned the “Crescent block” to include an ‘eatertainment’ venue consisting of music, food, and a brewery. This is a successful Iowa brewing scene — Des Moines is becoming a destination for craft beer and brewing.”

The brewery plans to move forward with the same humble spirit, appreciating the process of architectural revitalization. “At the heart of Big Grove is a goal of fostering the community around us and being environmentally responsible while we do it,” says CEO of Big Grove Matthew Swift. “These efforts are rewarded with our current Green Platinum Brewery certification and being a good neighbor to the craft beer community and our guests.”

Big Grove Des Moines plans to hire guest services, kitchen, and brewery staff. “One thing for anyone involved in Big Grove, is the ability for staff to take care of themselves. We want them to be the best versions of themselves and we encourage them to take care of their family and friends as well and from there to take care of the guests and the community at Big Grove,” added Danny Standley, Big Grove managing partner.

This announcement comes in the wake of many recent award-winning accomplishments of the brewery, finding success with Easy Eddy Hazy IPA, the fastest-growing IPA brand in Iowa. Later this summer, Big Grove plans to launch Squeeze Hard Seltzer, inviting another set of drinkers, including gluten-free audiences, to join the Big Grove experience.

With the announcement of Big Grove Des Moines, the company plans to open a brewery location in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2023, focusing on lagerhaus and open-fermentation concepts. Cedar Rapids is part of a broader economic development plan in the downtown area.

About the Company: Big Grove is among the top craft beer producers in Iowa and ranks in the top 3% for barrel production nationally. According to 2019 data from the national Brewers Association, Iowa ranks 26th for craft beer production and is home to 107 breweries. In 2013, the brewery got its start as a 3.5-barrel brewhouse in Solon, Iowa and focused on freshly made craft beer and elevated pub cuisine. Four years later, the brewery opened a 28,000 square foot production facility, serving as an anchor for the Iowa City Riverfront Crossings redevelopment project. Big Grove has received multiple craft brewing medals including a gold medal for Easy Eddy Hazy IPA.