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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA Shelby County brewing company and restaurant plans to move its business to Johnson County after receiving financial assistance from the Franklin Development Commission.
Hoosier Brewing Co., founded in Fairland in July 2014, said it plans a late-spring move to the east side of Franklin, where it intends to expand operations from five to 50 employees over the next five years.
The Franklin Redevelopment Commission said the company has been awarded grant money that will help it open the 5,000-square-foot restaurant and additional brewery space in a remodeled shopping center off King Street near Interstate 65. The vacant space previously contained a tanning parlor and a bar.
The location is in the middle of an area where Franklin has committed to spending about $22 million in infrastructure and road improvements. Mayor Joe McGuinness envisions the area becoming a gateway to the community.
The commission said Hoosier Brewing planned to have at least 15 restaurant and brewery employees making an average yearly income of $49,000 in its first year of operations in the new facility.
The Daily Journal of Franklin said the company would receive $138,000 in conditional financial incentives to cover renovation costs, with the possibility of receiving $250,000 or more for future expansion.
Hoosier Brewing produces beers that are sold to about 80 grocery stores and restaurants throughout the state. Its brands include Hospitality IPA, Hoosier Ale, Red Flyer Irish Ale and Hoopa.
Owner Brian Nentrup told the Daily Journal he eventually hopes to open a second manufacturing facility in Franklin, bringing company employment to 100.
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