COMING SOON…BIG BOILER BREWING

Article by Tina Dickerman

Something Old Becomes New Again

As excitement about the opening of Lowell’s newest brewing and dining destination continues to grow, the partners work at a breakneck pace to complete Big Boiler Brewing.  Windows are being installed, walls erected and the Big Boiler has been securely placed in the dining area.  Great effort and expense was put into moving and restoring the 1920 Kewanee Boiler, which was originally located on the west side of the building and is the namesake of the this establishment.   

The building most citizens of Lowell remember as being the Superior Furniture building, was originally the Kopf building.    The Kopf Building located at 212 E Main Street was the wholesale and retail showroom for furniture built by the Lowell Furniture Company dating as far back as 1867.  It wasn’t until 1936 that Superior Furniture was established.  It is fitting that the west end of this historic building is home to the newly opened Mi Hometown Furnishings, while the east end will be enjoyed by craft brew enthusiasts.     

Brent Slagell, one of the partners and the visionary of Big Boiler Brewing, purchased the Superior Furniture building in 2011.   His original plan was not a brewery, that idea came much later (and I speculate that perhaps it was while enjoying a craft brew).   Once the decision was made to open a  brewery and restaurant Slagell started the difficult planning stages.   He would have to secure a brewer, a chef, design the interior and apply for grants to assist with what he knew would be substantial renovations.  His plans however did not come without hurdles.

 

 

Delays and Perseverance

Progress came to a near halt with loss of City Manager Mark Howe in January of 2016.  Former City Manager, Howe, had been working with Slagell to secure a Rental Rehab Grant from the State of Michigan.   The grant money would have helped with the substantial expenses incurred while renovating a historical building.  After several attempts over the course of many months to finalize the terms of the grant with the City of Lowell and its city attorney Dick Wendt, and having to make multiple changes that held up development, Slagell adjusted his strategy.   He decided to work directly with the State of Michigan to secure an MEDC grant.  The State awarded a grant to be used to bring old buildings back to life, and the partners of Big Boiler certainly fulfilled that requirement.

The process was an emotional roller coaster for the partners, but they persevered.   In the end, the City of Lowell was not involved in Big Boilers rehab grant awarded for the building rehabilitation.  The partners were able to overcome these substantial hurdles and are moving full steam ahead with the construction of Big Boiler Brewery.  

 

Looking Forward

 A tentative Grand Opening for Big Boiler Brewing has been set for June.  Although the interior may be completed sooner, partner and brewer, Matthew Fouts will require between six to eight weeks to complete his unique brews.  Fouts has been brewing for the past 20 years, and was introduced to Slagell through a mutual friend.   Slagell, wanting to make certain that Fouts was the perfect brewer for the job, put together a tasting party with friends.  Fouts presented 9 different craft brews on which he was critiqued on flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel (how the beer “feels” in your mouth. Creamy, effervescent etc).  The craft brews must have presented well as Fouts was welcomed to the team.   

Big Boiler Brewing was approved by the Michigan Liquor Control and have completed their brewer’s notice.   Psycho Brew, a  company based out of Greenville, Michigan was the obvious choice for Matt when it came to purchasing brewing equipment.  Psycho brewing equipment is made in the USA with top quality American stainless steel and is beautifully designed.   

Brewer Matt Fouts will be the first to use Psycho Brew’s new steam system equipment.   These kettles use a steam jacket that heats more evenly around the kettle as opposed to being direct fired beneath the kettle. The steam jacket allows for quicker, more evenly heated brew without the chance of scorching.   Many of the larger breweries use this type of system, but this is a new offering for Psycho, which caters to smaller nano breweries.    

There will be no shortage of flavorful craft beers at Big Boiler.  Twelve taps offering a selection of American and Euro Style Ales, as well as lagers will be on site.    Lagers ferment at lower temperatures and typically take longer to ferment.  The German word “Lagern” which is where the word “Lager” originates actually means, “to Store”.   Due to the extended fermentation time a lager option may not be available at opening, but to be certain, they will be worth the wait.   

Craft Brews and Craft Food

In addition to great brews, Big Boiler will be offering a menu filled with pub sandwiches, burgers and salad options.    Rick Sauber, a third partner, has been developing a menu for at least the past six months to complement the brews.  When asked about his ideas, he stated that “we will craft our food just like we craft our beers”.    Sauber is well known in Lowell, and certainly adds taste and a creative style to any dining establishment.  

The brewery is looking to hire approximately 16 full time equivalent employees.   Which translates to approximately 25 to 30 part time positions.   A great opportunity for the community of Lowell. We will be following the progress of Big Boiler Brewing, and welcome them to the community.   

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