Brew Mentor seeks to expand

Business proposes adding bar, patio to supply shop

A home-brewed Mentor business is in expansion mode.

The city Planning Commission on Nov. 29 will hold a public hearing on conditional-use permits to allow a bar and outside dining and/or drinking at The Brew Mentor. The final site plan and architectural review also is on the agenda.

Business owners Brian Seelinger and John Mack propose constructing a 908-squarefoot addition to the rear of the existing building at 9528 Diamond Centre Drive, just west of Steak & Shake.

The plan is to add a bar/tasting room and outside patio to the beer and wine home brewing supply shop, according to a report to the commission. The store also

offers customers the option to make wine on the premises and how-to clinics.

“Our retail business will operate more efficiently if we can separate it from our finished product (beer and wine) sales,” said Seelinger, noting that the retail side is flat due to the “Amazon effect.” “And if we can divide it, then it still makes sense to continue with it.

“The beer and wine sales are an increasing part of our business and, in order to grow that, we will need more seating and also a better overall atmosphere. We can accomplish both by adding additional space and then dividing the spaces to accommodate both our retail and a bigger tap room. This space will also be able to be used and rented out as a banquet room. We will only serve beer and wine that we are licensed to produce already. Initially, we won’t serve food, although we are keeping our options open once we get the ball rolling.”

The applicants indicate that they are planning to serve 12-plus offerings. They do not intend to increase production above the 30 barrels per year permitted under a permit issued in 2016, the report says.

The proposed hours of operation would be 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays through Saturdays for the tasting room and retail hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The facility would be available to rent during non-business hours.

The addition would accommodate 12 people at the bar and another 48 at tables within the bar area. The floor plan shows a small stage in the corner of the bar set aside for a twoto three-member band.

The applicants also are seeking a permit for an outside patio at the northwest corner of the building in the grass area. The patio would allow room for four tables with seating for 16 people total. City staff recommends a condition that there be no music played on the patio.

The project is a healthy indicator of the local economy, said Mentor Economic Development Director Kevin Malecek

“I’d say that their investment in this expansion project is a recognition of the market for the unique beverage products and personal brewing opportunities they bring to the Mentor area, and that they view our community as ripe for future market growth,” he said.

The commission meets at 7 p.m. on the third floor of Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Blvd.

SUBMITTED This is a proposed expansion onto The Brew Mentor on Diamond Centre Drive in Mentor.