Sarnia council has enthusiastically endorsed another attempt by the Refined Fool Brewing Company to expand.
The craft brewery's request to amend the city's official plan and zoning bylaw for a second location at 1326 London Rd., the TJ's Home Renovation site, was approved Monday.
Councillor Bev MacDougall thanked the group for its patience after plans to expand at a location in downtown Sarnia fell through.
"I believe that moving forward at this location, they're going to have a little more room, they're going to be able to better manage things," said MacDougall. "I made a couple of visits out to the site and the area this weekend and believe that these young entrepreneurs are positioning a development that will add to the area and will certainly add to our communities offerings overall. So, I would like to wish them well."
Refined Fool plans to convert the existing front building to include a restaurant/tap room and retail area, with brewing and storage areas proposed near the rear section.
The company hopes to produce nearly 2,500 barrels a year at startup, with long-term annual production at the site of just over 9,700 barrels.
The existing business on Davis St. will remain as a tap room and rental sales outlet with the majority of production shifting to the new facility.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley told council that TJ’s Home Renovation Centre plans to liquidate.
