About

DISCOVER GREAT LAKES BREWING CO.

Founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery. Independent for over 30 years and employee owned since 2018, we are proud to serve 14 states and Washington D.C. with an award-winning and beloved selection of fresh, flavorful, and innovative craft beers. From year-round favorites like Dortmunder Gold Lager and Hazecraft IPA to seasonal classics like Christmas Ale and Oktoberfest, to our innovative limited releases and pub exclusive offerings, we hope you’ll crack one open with us soon, because we remain committed to the craft.

OUR HISTORY

1988

Brothers Pat and Dan Conway open the GLBC brewpub in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood

1990

Dortmunder Gold Lager wins GLBC its first Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival

The former Fries & Schuele Dept. Store becomes the site of GLBC’s new 30 bbl. brewhouse, allowing for regional distribution

1992

Christmas Ale, the beloved seasonal, debuts at the brewpub

GLBC opens its current 75 bbl. production brewery in the
former Leonard Schlather Brewing Co.’s stables and grain
storage

1998

1999

GLBC is officially categorized as a Regional Brewery (over 15k bbls production)

2001

GLBC’s beer and music festival Burning River Fest debuts, raising awareness and funds for clean water initiatives

2008

Pint Size Farm is established by GLBC at Hale Farm & Village in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

2010

GLBC staff participate in the company’s first annual employee summit

2010

GLBC joins a collective to establish Ohio City Farm, just down the street from the brewery

2011

The brewery surpasses 100k bbls per year and lands in the top 20 craft brewers list (by production) for the first time

A 2 bbl. Pilot System is installed, allowing for even more innovation, creativity, and research

2017

2018

GLBC co-workers become employee owners, thanks to the establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan

2020

GLBC introduces a new canning line and warehouse facility, bringing iconic and exciting new brands to cans for the first time

2022

GLBC becomes the official craft beer of the Cleveland Cavaliers and opens the Great Lakes Experience at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

2023

GLBC celebrates 35 years of independent, innovative, award-winning craft beer.

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