[Photo: Griffin Claw Brewing Company/Facebook]
After facing some opposition from area residents, Birmingham craft brewpub Griffin Claw will break ground on its planned expansion next week. Plans call for the popular taproom/brewery/distillery to add a barrel-aging room and expand the biergarten and retail space, as well as creating an additional exit and entrance from the parking lot and building a canopy over the back loading area.
Not everyone was psyched about Griffin Claw's expansion plans, though: The additions will eliminate 18 of the brewpub's current parking spaces, and neighbors complained that Griffin Claw patrons were already monopolizing street parking. In the end, the city commission approved the plans with a couple added conditions to ensure plenty of parking spaces for everyone.
The groundbreaking ceremony goes down next Tuesday, May 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public; there will be free drinks and hors d'oeuvres, but if you want to attend you'd best RSVP by emailing or calling (734) 770-5419.