CHAPMAN’S BREWING COMPANY TO OPEN BREWERY AND TAPROOM IN COLUMBIA CITY

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind.  (July 21, 2016) – The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the City of Columbia City recently announced that Chapman’s Brewing Company is expanding its operations and adding a brewery and taproom location in downtown Columbia City.

Chapman’s will remodel the former Watering Can and CC Deli Building at 118 W Van Buren Street in downtown Columbia City. Chapman’s Founder, Scott Fergusson shared that the Columbia City location will serve as a research and development facility where new craft beer recipes will be created as well as beers unique to Whitley County.

“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.”

Chapman’s Brewing Company was founded in 2012 in nearby Angola, Indiana, and began production in October 2013. In just two years Chapman’s has grown over 100% each year and sees local communities as the key to its success. In addition to the Angola and Columbia City locations, Chapman’s also recently partnered with Fortezza Coffee to add a taproom location, and create a shared contemporary taproom and coffee shop space in downtown Fort Wayne.

Fergusson and the Chapman’s team generated excitement back in February when they supported the Leadership Whitley County (LWC) program by participating in ‘Tap into Whitley: Brewing Local Economies.’ The event was hosted by an LWC project group, and focused on the economic impact of the craft beer industry.

Chapman’s generously provided craft beer for tasting, and Fergusson shared his insight on the craft beer market, how Chapman’s got started, growth plans for the company, and also shared that Whitley County was a target location for potentially opening a taproom. In addition, Chapman’s partnered with Downtown on the Square to bring Chapman’s on tap later that evening after the event.

“I think we are all delighted by this unique business, which will create a destination in downtown Columbia City and enhance our local quality of life,” said EDC President Jon Myers, “I am particularly proud of the participants in our Leadership Whitley County program, who identified this opportunity and made the personal connections necessary to help make it happen.”

Chapman’s provides more than exceptional handcrafted beer. Chapman’s believes in providing jobs for local Hoosiers, values its employees and neighbors and continuously seeks opportunities to build relationships and partnerships within its communities.

“We live in an incredible community–one that can grow and produce with the best in the world,” said Fergusson, “Local craft beer is no exception. We are committed to staffing our brewery with the friends and family you already know.”

Chapman’s supports local musicians and artisans, restaurants and food trucks and local nonprofit organizations. A core focus of Chapman’s is becoming a part of the community they serve–Chapman’s supports other community and nonprofit events and has worked with organizations such as The Eel River Pheasants Forever, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Trine University and more.

“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.”

The anticipated opening date for the Columbia City taproom is August 26, 2016, subject to local and state regulatory approval. To learn more about Chapman’s Brewing Company visit www.chapmansbrewing.com. You can also stay connected by following Chapman’s on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Chapman’s Brewing Company

Chapman’s Brewing is a local craft brewery serving the best craft beer around. We grew up here, we love the Midwest, and we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the communities we serve. Chapman’s is available in excellent restaurants, venues, package stores and caterers throughout the state, with brewery/tap rooms in selected communities. Check our website to learn more about our beer and commitment to Indiana at www.chapmansbrewing.com

About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients’ growth and success. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive economic development program that retains and expands employment opportunities for local residents and attracts business investment to Whitley County. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit: www.whitleyedc.com.

Media Contacts:
Katie Dewitt (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 or kdewitt@whitleyedc.com

Micah Soltz (Chapman’s Brewing Company) – 614.562.4554 or micahs@chapmansbrewing.com