Brian Pierce, Fouder and Brewer
The next addition to the Southwest Michigan craft beer scene hopes not only to serve high quality cold ones, but some of the best hot beverages in town, too.
In a way, Brite Eyes Brewing Co. owes its forthcoming existence as much to non-drinkers as it does to those who enjoy tipping back a craft brew or two.
"My wife does not drink," says Brian Pierce, Brite Eyes founder and brewer. "I love craft beer, but when I drag her to a craft beer bar they don't always have something for her."
Which is why besides offering a rotating list of beers, Brite Eyes will also function as a coffee house, art studio, and local craft and food market.
"It's going to be a unique atmosphere. We're going to have a merch area that will be like a little general store and Kalamazoo gift shop. Very similar to Made in Kalamazoo. We'll have our stuff, some craft folks who have merchandise, a newsstand, so you can grab a paper, coffee you can take home, bread from Victorian Bakery," Pierce says.
Named in part for the Brite Tank, a large, stainless steel vessel used to carbonate and store beer, Brite Eyes will be located at 1156 S. Burdick Street and will give Pierce, a musician, former deli worker and home brewer, a chance to blend three of his passions: art, food, and libations.
Pierce has spent the past year in full on fundraising mode, and is now about ready to start retrofitting the former indoor farmers market building to house his brewing equipment, a kitchen and the coffee house and pub.
"We've been in fundraising mode for a while and now were looking to get into the build out," Pierce says. "In November we want to get to work on the building. We're thinking about two months build out and then a soft opening period where we have the coffee house and deli going while we're being licensed for the brewhouse. Once we can serve beer we'll have the grand opening in the spring."
During the day, Brite Eyes will function as a full-on coffee house and lunch spot serving coffee locally roasted by Johnny Java and offering a menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups then transition into brewery mode during the late afternoon and evening.
"We want to be more of a place where people come with their laptops and get some work done, or have a business lunch, maybe come after work for a couple drinks. We won't be open late, maybe 9 p.m. during the week 11 p.m. on the weekend," Pierce says.
Pierce hopes the business will draw people down South Burdick and function as a place where people either begin their evenings out or stop by on their way home from work.
Though Brite Eyes will start small, Pierce says if the reception is strong enough there is room in the building to expand.
"The little strip of property out front on the corner of Burdick and Crosstown is city owned, but the owners of our building are working on acquiring that so we can put a beer garden in," Pierce says.
Other potential expansions could be expedited as Pierce has first right of refusal of the back space which is currently an artists studio, and also first right or refusal in purchasing the building outright if the owners choose to sell.
"If that comes to pass we could put a much bigger brewery out back," Pierce says.
First though, Pierce is just wants to get Brite Eyes open and give area beer and coffee fans somewhere mutually agreeable to gather.
"Somewhere to bring the coffeehouse world and the brewery world together--somewhere where you can sit and hang out with friends no matter what you choose to drink," Pierce says.
For more information on Brite Eyes Brewing Co. visit: briteeyesbrewingco.com
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