Brewery Expanding to Whitley County
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAngola-based Chapman’s Brewing Co. is expanding into Whitley County. The company is adding a brewery and taproom in the former Watering Can and CC Deli building in downtown Columbia City.
Founder Scott Fergusson says the new location will serve as a research and development facility for new craft beer recipes and beers unique to the county. The taproom is expected to open on August 26, pending local and state regulatory approval.
"Columbia City has a rich brewing history, with the Walter-Raupfer Brewery having the capacity to make over 2 million pints of beer a year," said Fergusson, "Columbia City’s downtown is perfect for Chapman’s–our friends and neighbors can enjoy a pint or growler of the best local beer around."
The decision to open the facility in Whitley County came after Chapman’s took part in an event in February hosted by the Leadership Whitley County program which focused on the economic impact of the craft beer industry. It was during that event that Fergusson listed the county as a target location for a potential taproom.
"We’re pleased that Chapman’s has chosen to locate to our great community," said Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel, "They will bring a renewed energy and gathering space to our downtown, which complements the efforts of many people in its revitalization. We’re excited to welcome this innovative company to Columbia City."
Fergusson, a former dean of Trine University’s Ketner School of Business, founded the company in 2012 and began production in 2013. The Whitley County Economic Development Corp. says the company has grown 100 percent each year since then.
In addition to its original location in Angola, Chapman’s also has a taproom located in downtown Fort Wayne. Financial details of the investment into the Columbia City location were not disclosed.