Burn ‘Em Brewing's Steve Murray has been patient. But he and his friends, who opened a taproom in 2015, finally broke ground Feb. 16 on a new long-awaited location in Michigan City.
“This has been a long time coming, and we are happy to be here,” said Steve Murray, Burn ‘Em Brewing head brewer, in a press release. “We can’t wait to see you here when we open the doors.”
He said he hopes the day they open the new brewery at 1215 E. 2nd St. will come before the end of the year. Luckily, Ryan VanWaardenburg, Tonn and Blank Construction pre-construction manager, has know many of the friends since they went to school together.
“It’s great to be part of this generation and legacy as we continue to move forward,” VanWaardenburg said. “It’s a really cool project, and we will wrap it up as soon as possible.”
VanWaardenburg said there have been some obstacles to starting the $1.6 million project that will almost double production.
“There is progress inside the walls despite the fact that we are just turning dirt now,” VanWaardenburg said. “It has been a unique experience as we have gone through COVID and its lingering effects.”
The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission approved the project in 2021.
“This is so good for Michigan City and for Burn ‘Em,” said Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry. “We’re booming and taking off, and this is part of it.”
Clarence Hulse, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City, said projects like this add to the progress and growth of the city.
“Projects like this really highlight how our community has partners and collaborators who will come together to create the lively and eclectic spaces that truly make our community special and unique,” Hulse said.
Skyler York, director of planning and inspection in Michigan City, credits the Redevelopment Commission.
“It is really important to get Burn ‘Em at this location as it’s close to the (Singing Sands Trail) … and it just makes sense to be here,” York said.
The project should bring 20 to 30 more jobs. It will expand distribution and offer an event center with taproom, patio and kitchen.
Burn ‘Em Brewing started off as a group of friends homebrewing. The group incorporated the company in 2013, starting distributing in 2014 and opened the taproom at 718 Freyer Road in 2015. They have brewed over 700 varieties. The taproom offers 10 draft options that rotate. The beers only are distributed in Indiana. According to the company's website, it has canned 1.5 million beers.
