Griffen Claw Brewing Co. Opens in Birmingham

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BIRMINGHAM — Griffen Claw Brewing Co. officially opens to the public today introducing the community to the area’s newest taproom, biergarten, and brewing and distributing facility.

Griffen Claw Brewing Co. is the new home for Big Rock Chophouse’s award winning beer and its brewmaster, Dan Rogers, who oversees all the brewing, distributing, and operations of the 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building.

Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Rail District, the brewery features a taproom that will seat approximately 100 people with oversized garage doors that open to the restaurant’s traditional German-style biergarten and outdoor patio. The authentic biergarten is in a gravel-covered yard, offers seating for 75 guests at mostly communal tables purchased from Germany, and is home to an outdoor fire pit. The taproom’s menu includes a variety of casual food items with a special focus on the beer and will offer 12 seasonal and specialty brews.

Griffen Claw Brewing Company is owned by Bonnie LePage and Mary Nicholson. The two women’s husbands, Norman LePage and Ray Nicholson, are partners and co-owners of Birmingham’s popular Big Rock Chophouse, Got Rocks Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge, and The Reserve.

“It’s really all about our award-winning beer at our new hometown brewery,” said co-owner Bonnie LePage. “When our talented brewmaster, Dan, kept going away and winning awards for his beer, we knew we were on to something. The increasing demand for his beer and his growing fan base were instrumental in why we decided to open Griffen Claw Brewing Company. We’re really looking forward to the opening and everyone being able to enjoy Dan’s beer in a very unique and fun setting.”

“We focused on and embraced using Michigan made products and companies when designing and constructing the brewery,” added LePage. The custom-made brewery equipment was created and purchased from Lake Orion based Craftwerk Brewing Systems. The brewery was designed by Birmingham based Ron and Roman. Kelly Building and Development Company, also located in Birmingham, oversaw and managed the entire construction process this past year.

Four of the brewery’s beers, Norm’s Raggedy Ass (IPA), El Rojo Amber Ale, Grand Trunk Pilsner, and Grind Line Pale Ale will also be distributed through Orion-based Powers Distributing and available for purchase at a variety of local restaurants, bars, neighborhood liquor stores, and specialty stores.

Griffen Claw Brewing Company’s Taproom will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays, noon to 1 a.m. on Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays. The brewery will also include a distillery for making high-end vodka, gin, and other liquors with a martini bar scheduled to open late fall.