The West Michigan beer world was shaken in November when news broke that Michigan beer pioneer Larry Bell sold Bell’s Brewery. Bell’s was one of the nation’s largest independent and family-owned breweries, brewing up some of the most beloved beers in the industry, like Two Hearted Ale.
Bell regularly called out breweries that sold to large corporations. While his cantankerous attitude helped grow the Michigan beer industry, it also ruffled feathers. Now, Bell — who started Bell’s in 1985 — can retire comfortably, selling to Australia’s Lion Little World Beverages for an undisclosed amount.
The new owner has complex layers, as it’s owned by the Japanese beverage giant Kirin. Lion, however, has established roots in the American craft beer scene, as it purchased Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing in 2019.
University Club has new general manager
Since 1923, the University Club of Grand Rapids has helped socialites maintain a vibrant lifestyle while building business networks. In the waning months of 2021, the club hired a new general manager: Mark Canak.
Canak, a trained sommelier, is hoping to grow the membership base by tapping into the city’s younger and diversifying population.
Located on the 10th floor of the Fifth Third Center, 111 Lyon St. NW, members of the University Club can enjoy meals, meeting rooms, a gym and exclusive events.
Garfield Park in line for updates
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved multiple updates to Garfield Park, 250 Burton St. SE, including improved facilities and concrete pathways.
Perhaps the highlight is a new, universally accessible splash pad and new landscaping.
This story can be found in the January/February 2022 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. To get more stories like this delivered to your mailbox, subscribe here.
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