News Summary
Chris Andrus, co-founder of Mitten Brewing Company, is stepping away from daily operations after 15 years. While remaining an owner, he seeks new challenges outside hospitality. Economic shifts and personal fulfillment have influenced his decision, which comes amid notable company growth, including a new Saugatuck location set to open soon. The brewery has also significantly impacted the local community through jobs and charitable initiatives.
Grand Rapids – Chris Andrus, the co-founder of Mitten Brewing Company, is stepping away from the day-to-day operations of the business he helped establish 15 years ago. This announcement was made on social media on Monday, September 28. Though he will retain ownership and remain involved in a limited capacity, Andrus is seeking new challenges outside of the hospitality industry.
Andrus had initially planned to reduce his role in 2020. However, the uncertainties and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to continue working through the crisis. He expressed pride in the achievements of Mitten Brewing Company and has confidence in the management team, which includes his partner, Max Trierweiler.
Company Growth and Community Impact
Andrus and Trierweiler began their journey as homebrewers and opened their first Mitten taproom and pizza restaurant in 2012 at 527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids. Since its inception, the brand has expanded to include locations in Northport and Saugatuck, providing jobs for over 100 employees across the facilities. The closure of the Northport location in 2022 due to a leasing dispute was temporary; it managed to reopen within a year, thanks in large part to the community’s support.
A notable moment for the Grand Rapids taproom occurred in August 2024, when actor Keanu Reeves made a surprise visit while he was in town with his band Dogstar.
In addition to focusing on brewery operations, the Mitten Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the brewery, has raised over $500,000 for local nonprofits since its establishment in 2012. Andrus remarked on the significance of being the first brewery on the West Side of Grand Rapids since Prohibition, and he believes that their work is only beginning.
Shifting Focus and Future Projects
However, economic challenges and changing consumer habits over the past five years have made his role less fulfilling, leading to speculation about Andrus’s potential entry into politics after his announcement. He refuted such claims, emphasizing a desire to reduce stress rather than add to it.
Andrus has recently purchased two commercial buildings at 517 and 521 Leonard St. NW in Grand Rapids for $395,000. These properties will be part of a redevelopment initiative aimed at enhancing control over the corner next to the brewery. The redevelopment will prioritize creating pedestrian-friendly spaces with lively storefronts along Leonard Street. Recent developments in the area, including new businesses, suggest a potential revitalization for the neighborhood.
New Location and Continued Expansion
Mitten Brewing Company is on the cusp of a significant expansion, with a third location set to open in Saugatuck at 329 Water Street on June 8. The new venue, located in a pre-Civil War building, will feature an outdoor patio with seating for 80 patrons. In addition, a new brewhouse within this location will concentrate on producing sour beers and selling Mitten State apparel.
Andrus and Trierweiler expect the Saugatuck site to serve as a complementary addition to their original and Northport locations, with the decision to expand driven by a collaborative opportunity with The Mitten State apparel company.
Throughout their journey, Andrus has emphasized the importance of crafting an engaging taproom experience where staff members effectively interact with guests. As Mitten Brewing Company anticipates brewing 2,500 barrels of beer in the upcoming year, up from 1,400 barrels in 2017, the legacy of Andrus continues to thrive, albeit in a different capacity.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Mitten Brewing Company Co-Founder Steps Down
- Brewbound: Mitten Brewing Company Opens Third Location
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Brewery Owner Scoops Up Commercial Buildings
- WGRD: Mitten Brewing Company Closing Northport Location
- Bridge Michigan: Mental Health Help for Restaurant Workers
- Wikipedia: Brewery
- Google Search: Mitten Brewing Company
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
