The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New brewery may fill void in downtown
Formal plans have yet to be submitted to city
The possibility of the former Willoughby Brewing Company building no longer being vacant is on the horizon.
According to a Facebook post recently made by Northeast Ohio Craft Brewery News, the building located at 4057 Erie St. in Downtown Willoughby appears to be getting reborn as a new brewery.
“State records indicate an A1C Brew On Premise application has been filed by Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company,” the Facebook post reads. “There is still no trace of this startup on social media, but a Google search did turn up a filing of the company name as an LLC in May of 2023 by a Robert Ehasz of Beachwood.”
The Willoughby Brewing Company has been vacant for about three years, according to Willoughby Economic Development Director Thomas Thielman. He believes a combination of things led to its closure.
“Unfortunately, it evolved into more of a nightclub than a micro-brewery,” Thielman said. “I think that led to its closing. Also, (the coronavirus) played a role and when you don’t pay your taxes, and rent, generally bad things happen.”
Beyond Northeast Ohio Craft Brewery’s Facebook post, no formal plans have been submitted to the city at this time regarding what the new owners have in mind, Thielman said, noting that he has had some limited corresponded with Ehasz prior to him signing a new lease.
“Downtown Willoughby remains relevant when attracting new restaurants and concepts to the Northeast Ohio culinary scene,” Thielman said. “We have seen the opening of Dante Boccuzzi’s Dukes ‘n Boots restaurant bring his unique take on the classic ‘glorifried chicken’ and all the fixings.”
Last year, Willoughby had The Yard on 3rd open, which features an outdoor food truck park with a summertime bar vibe, which is also a permanent home for Geraci’s Slice Shop and Cocky’s Bagels, Thielman said.
“This fall, we’ll see the opening of Julia’s at the Willoughby House in the restored historic Van Gorder Manor,” he said. “Chef Jose Coronado, formerly of Felice Urban Café, will be heading the kitchen and putting his mark on this new dining destination.”
As for the future of the Willoughby Brewing Company building, Thielman is hopeful that the new ownership will take the micro-brewery back to its roots and develop a concept that will complement the Downtown Willoughby dining, and entertainment experience.
“The building is a beautiful structure, but needs some TLC,” Thielman said. “I can see a classic microbrew that focuses on brewing great beer and serving good food succeeding again. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a crisp draft beer with a freshly made pretzel and some traditional beer-inspired ethnic food.”