SUTTONS BAY, MI (July 17, 2013) – Brothers, Steve and Drew Lutke from Holland, Michigan have announced plans to open and operate a brewery in the village of Suttons Bay, MI. The Hop Lot Brewing Company will be located on the popular M-22 highway inside the Leelanau Peninsula, between Beach Street and E Pine View Road. Construction is set to begin late this summer with a targeted opening in early 2014.
“We have talked with members of the local community and mutually feel that we can contribute to the ambiance of the beautiful village of Suttons Bay and the entire Leelanau Peninsula,” said co-owner and master brewer, Steve Lutke. “Our beer garden will be a great addition to the much desired outdoor restaurant space, and will offer Suttons Bay residents and visitors an opportunity to fully embrace the ‘Up North’ experience.”
Suttons Bay is already home to mainstay restaurants, bars, and shops and the Hop Lot Brewing Company will offer the experience of visiting a craft brewery that many peninsula residents would otherwise have to travel south to Traverse City for.
The brothers have spent years visiting several breweries to document what was paramount in their experiences. “It was our goal to find a property that would allow us enough space and optimal soil to showcase one of the main ingredients in producing beer, the hops,” added Lutke. “Our business model is structured to follow an educational theme and provide transparency in the brewing processes.” The business model is designed to appeal to the novice drinker up to the veteran home brewer. “We want our guests to come in here and pick our brains with basic beer characteristic questions to advanced home brewing techniques.”
“The craft beer market is growing exponentially and with that we’re seeing a growing interest and appreciation for the product,” said co-owner Drew Lutke. “Craft beer drinkers are very cognizant of the ingredients and the process of brewing and we want to offer them the ultimate brewery experience.”
In addition to serving craft beers, the Hop Lot Brewing Company will feature a hop garden, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about hops and the brewing process. The future site of the brewery sits 20 miles NW of Traverse City, a popular tourist destination and home to the National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival and the summer and winter Traverse City Microbrew and Music Festivals.
About Hop Lot Brewing Company
Brothers Steve and Drew Lutke from Holland, Michigan took one step onto the Leelanau Peninsula and knew immediately it was the place to build their dream. With ties to the Suttons Bay area, the pair have been working on beer recipes, site and business plans for nearly two years. Steve is set to complete courses at the Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy in Chicago, Il this fall where they currently reside. For more information about the Hop Lot Brewing Company’s future please visit http://www.facebook.com/
