Ready to raise a pint glass? You may have read about Platform Beer’s plans to open a brewpub and distribution center in the Discovery District in Columbus Underground, Columbus Business First and The Columbus Dispatch recently. But before the story was even out, we took a tour of the future facility and then sat down to some burgers, fries and salads at Lomonico’s. Okay, and also a craft brew or two. We love our job!
Passion exudes from this crew as evidenced in their plans to build a brewpub incubator in their new downtown facility. Entrepreneurs, craft brew aficionados, and partners Paul Benner and Justin Carson can’t wait to expand into the Columbus market, and brewmaster Reed Jaskula looks forward to experimenting with new recipes.
As a little IPA froth collected in Reed’s mustache, and he ran his fingers through the full beard, he shared his story – and a new sour and barrel-aged process that he wants to experiment with.
Paul and Reed started out in the homebrew scene, and then opened The Cleveland Brew Shop, the largest homebrew supply shop in Cleveland. That’s how they met Justin who brought another level of business acumen to their concept, and by 2014, Paul and Justin started Platform Beer Co. They always knew they would expand, but they wanted to be smart about it.
“Downtown is the epicenter of a burgeoning craft beer movement,” says Paul. “There’s a lot going on in Columbus, and we want to be part of the Columbus brewing community.”
One of the cool things about the Discovery District is the strong sense of community, and this spreads through out our downtown. Everyone gets a seat at the table, and everyone wants to see each other do well. And most of all, passionate people get Sh*% done. Sure it sounds cliché, but we saw it in action as we sat down for lunch. It’s what makes ColumbUS.
Lomonico’s bartender came over and asked about the logo on their hats, and by the time we ordered our food, business cards were exchanged and plans were made for samples, tasting and maybe even a guest tap. Now, this all happened within 24 hours of closing on their new facility, and within another couple days, you all got to read about their plans for Columbus in some of our major media outlets.
All of that happened before the “For Sale” sign was removed from the side of the building or the leftover white board from the old Carfagna’s plant was removed. It’s cool that this kind of connection happens right now, right downtown.
And to Paul, Justin, Reid and all of Platform Beer Co, you are now one of US. #LifeInCbus
Cheers!