Creston Business District to welcome first Brewery

The Creston Brewery team is hard at work preparing for its official opening at 1504 Plainfield Ave NE. Co-Founders Cailin Kelly, Vincent Lambert, Molly Bouwsma Schultz and Scott Schultz hope to create a space as vibrant as the Creston Neighborhood.

Furniture was previously made and displayed in their Brewery's location by DeKorne Furniture Showroom, built in the late 1920s and operating until the 1990s. Hosting an Art Deco structure, the Creston Brewery founders plan to pull their inspiration from Art Nouveau, looking to nature, people and organic elements. The team previously shook hands on another building, however the plans fell through, which they ultimately consider a blessing in disguise.

“Our nearly floor-to-ceiling windows gives us great natural lighting and openness while the pillars and tin ceilings reminder us all that in the 'olden days' things were built to last and place us in awe,” says Bouwsma Schultz.

Operating with a 20 BBL Brewing System with the ability to produce up to 1700 BBL annually, patrons can expect focus on the taproom, with possibility to distribute around Grand Rapids and beyond. Creativity is expected in each brew.

“Our beers will be rooted in a commitment to creativity and the importance of the brewing process. Expect aromatic, floral, spicy ales that will have you rediscover the subtle complexities of sessionable beers. As Scott's wife, I can say with authority the he is a meticulous brewer who cares greatly more about freshness than labels or styles. In other words, he always surprises and delights people with what he creates,” says Bouwsma Schultz.

To match, a food menu is being developed to give patrons a taste of different cultural backgrounds and also a taste of locally-sourced ingredients.

“We are currently working with many local farmers and distributors in an effort to source [from] out of Michigan. Not only does supporting them help our economy, but it will also provide Creston Brewery's kitchen with the ingredients it will need to make the culinary experience exceptional. We are proud of the juicy heirloom tomatoes, deep green leafy vegetables and herbs that Michigan farmers are growing, and we want that to be illuminated on your plate”, say Bouwsma Schultz.

Besides becoming business owners in the Creston Business District, the co-founders have planted trees in neighborhood parks and played roles in volunteer opportunities with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

“We plan to be very active with Creston Neighborhood Association and Creston Business District to support those groups any way we're able. Once our banquet hall is open, we definitely see that space as a community asset that we can lend to nonprofits and causes that we're passionate about,” says Lambert.

The co-founders also have backgrounds and passion for music and want to create a space where patrons can dance and enjoy their neighbors company.

“We hope to be a place where people feel comfortable and relaxed enough to be themselves while also experiencing something new. That may be a new brew, a new flavor of food, a new song, a funky piece of art on the wall, or just meeting someone they may otherwise would never have met,” says Kelly.

With plans to hire intentionally, those visiting the brewery will see a reflection of the neighborhood inside the brewery doors.