Ohio Brewing Company

With the creation of their Ohio Brewing Company, owners Chris and Michael Verich have brought the first and only brewpub to downtown Akron (since the prohibition era). The on-site brewery produces six award-winning beers that the guys have also turned into menu favorites—like beer pizza, beer ice cream and more.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 06/27/2008 Brewing beer is an art form,” says Chris Verich, who along with brother Michael owns the new Ohio Brewing Company in Downtown Akron. “We want people to regard our beer in the same light as they do the finest wine,” he smiles.

And while the restaurant and brewery might be new to the local scene, Ohio Brewing has long been a fixture at national and international brewing competitions.

“I developed a love of brewing beer during my travels through Europe. In Germany—particularly in Bavaria—the beer produced is exceptionally good, “Chris explains. “While I was there, I learned enough about that style of beer to give it a try once I got home. I started by brewing beer at home and took the time to learn about the history of beer making.”

Eventually, Chris graduated to selling his beer by the keg and enjoyed local distribution in his hometown of Niles, Ohio. His recipes, which he tweaked until they were just right, have garnered award-winning acclaim and a devoted local following.

He took some time to develop a business strategy with his brother Michael. “He’s always been supportive of me,” Chris beams. Together, the two came up with a concept that has never been introduced in our area. “We decided to open a world-class brewpub,” Michael shares. “Not since the prohibition era has there been a brewpub in Akron.”

First, the brothers purchased a building from the City of Akron, then set about constructing the glass-enclosed room that would serve as the location for the on-site brewery. They designed the spacious bar and seating area with a focus on the brewing room, which is located toward the front and can be seen from the street.

“We get a lot of ‘wows’ when people come in for the first time,” Chris says. Flags that represent beer-producing nations around the world fly proudly from the ceiling.

The Verich brothers brought on Dennis Holland to serve as Head Brewer. He’s the mastermind behind some of the success of the popular Great Lakes Brewing Company and creates the seasonal drafts that Ohio Brewing serves throughout the year. There are five other house-brewed beers on tap that are brewed from Chris’ time-tested recipes.

Verich Gold is a People’s Choice Award Winner and is the lightest of the regular brews. It’s modeled after the German Kosch-style ale and is bone dry with a soft malt flavor and delicate hop bitterness.
Cardinal Ale was a World Champion Gold Medal winner at the World Beer Championships. It’s a tasty Irish red ale with a flavorful, nutty finish and hints of fruity undertones.

The Alt-ernative Amber is an Alt-style ale full of amber color with an impressive malty aroma. You might also try the O’Hoppy Ale IPA. The wonderfully hoppy aromas are noticed first, followed by a rich, slightly fruity taste, then it finishes with a sophisticated hop bitterness.

The Steel Valley Stout is a Bronze Medal winner at the World Beer Championships. It’s a classic stout with a dry, brisk, richly bodied flavor and a deep black color.

“Our house-brewed beer is available in a carry-out form called a Growler,” Michael offers. Customers purchase their first Growler, poured fresh from the tap, in a dark half-gallon glass container for just $12. Ohio Brewing will refill it as often as you’d like for $9.

Of course no great brewpub would be complete without a delicious beer-themed menu. The Pork Chop With Beer Barbeque is destined to be a crowd pleaser. A 10-ounce grilled pork chop is painted with a homemade beer barbeque sauce and is finished with onion straws. It’s served with your choice of vegetable and potato and is offered at a modest $12.99.

For a lighter bite, try the Oak Plank Northern Pacific Cod With Mustard Butter. Pacific Cod is baked on an authentic oak plank over an open flame. It’s braised with a Dijon mustard sauce, which forms a crust and is served with your choice of vegetable and potato for $14.99.

Anytime is a great time to enjoy an Ohio Brewing Company Beer Pizza. “Our red sauce is made with a touch of beer,” Chris supplies. “We pile on mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms and green bell peppers.” Individual pizzas are $8.95 and a large is $19.95.

“We’ve elevated beer to a whole new level,” Chris insists. “Not only does our beer go with just about any food, many of our menu items, including dessert, are made with our beer.”

Every seat in the house is in full view of one of Ohio Brewing Company’s twenty-five 50-inch high definition TVs and every table has a personal speaker to enjoy the channel of choice. Darts and billiards are available anytime, and weekends include live music or a DJ.

Chris and Mike decided that the best way to offer their guests a complete dining experience was to marry the concept of a microbrewery and restaurant with a respected national chain. “In addition to the specialty items found on our Ohio Brewing menu, we are also able to offer the favorites people have come to love at Damon’s,” Michael says. Guests are given both the Ohio Brewing and Damon’s menu at seating and may order off of either or both menus.

And while beer might not be on your mind the first thing in the morning, for many people—coffee is. Inside of Ohio Brewing, you’ll also find The Other Brew, a specialty coffee shop developed by the Verich brothers. “We feature several locally produced coffee selections, homemade pastries, cookies and other sweets each day,” Chris beams.

But you’ll have to wait until lunchtime to enjoy the beer.

Ohio Brewing Company is located at 222 S. Main Street in Downtown Akron. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., or close, and Sunday from Noon-10 p.m., or close. The coffer bar is open Monday through Friday starting at 7 a.m. For more information, visit the website at www.OhioBrewing.com.

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