The Great Founders Reset

A downtown Grand Rapids brewery just announced a slew of improvements. Following an extensive renovation project, Founders Taproom and Kitchen, located at 235 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, will reopen April 1 with improved seating and a more diverse menu that includes wine, spirits, and more elevated cuisine than was previously available at the iconic taproom.

The enticing new menu was curated by Executive Chef Pete Engelhardt. A range of entrees, appetizers and burgers will be offered alongside cherished classics. An expanded kitchen will provide a spacious environment for creating the new ambitious menu items.

“We’ll be keeping some fan favorites on the menu such as our pretzel with beer cheese, along with top favorite sandwiches our guests love like the Mug Clubber and Devil Dancer. We added a new Kids’ Menu last Fall, which was a huge hit with families, and that will remain,” the brewery announced in a statement.

“With our new Kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, flattop, etc.), we’re now able to offer a Burger topped with our KBS-infused Bacon Jam served with French Fries. We’ve been hearing a lot of excitement about Fries! Our Chef is also excited to offer a Cajun Shrimp appetizer, a Salmon entrée, and a Chicken Parmesan entrée as just a few examples of our new menu items – along with experimenting with specials and throwbacks in the future.

“As for beer, we’re really excited to offer all our favorites from KBS to All Day IPA and Nitro Oatmeal Stout to Rubaeus. This year, we’re loving the addition of our new Hazy IPA ‘Mortal Bloom’ and our brand-new local MI Pilsner…”

In addition, new IPAs announced ahead of the renovation– The Tangibly and the Savage Sands IPA – will be flowing, as will a new peach variant of Green Zebra.

The real change on the beverage side of operations is the addition of spirits, and Founders’ first draft cocktail, the Gin and Tonic.  The brewery will also offer wines from Traverse City and Fenn Valley, gluten free seltzers, a non-alcoholic hop water beverage, and are working toward offering a cider option, to boot.

Complementing the new beverage and culinary offerings is a subtle interior refresh featuring a reconfigured layout, enhanced lighting, and updated furnishings for a modern aesthetic, promising an enjoyable dining experience for all.