Big Grove Iowa City opening Wednesday

Source: <a id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_hlSource" href="http://www.press-citizen.com/story/entertainment/2017/03/14/big-grove-iowa-city-opening-wednesday/99004336/" target="_blank">Iowa City Press-Citizen
Author: <a id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_hlAuthorBottom" href="mailto:zberg@press-citizen.com">Zach Berg
Posted By: <a id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_hlPostedBy" href="/Profile/bikeiowajess">bikeiowajess

Zach Berg
Tue March 14 2017
Posted Mar 14, 2017
7,973

Big Grove Brewery and Taproom Iowa City is set to open Wednesday, establishing itself as one of the 10 biggest breweries in the state and one of the biggest food venues in Iowa City.

Nate Kaeding, Big Grove Iowa City co-owner, said that the restaurant and brewery will open with its full menu Wednesday afternoon "just in time for March Madness and St. Patrick's Day."

"As a brewery, being open on St. Patrick's Day is rather important," Kaeding said.

The 26,000 square feet Big Grove Iowa City boasts 337 seats inside, about 70 outside once the weather warms up, and can produce up to 20,000 kegs of beer a year. The massive new restaurant will open at 3 p.m. Wednesday for its first day of service. For Friday and Saturday, the venue will open earlier at 11 a.m.

Big Grove Iowa City, located at 1225 S. Gilbert St., represents the first branching off of Big Grove Brewery, which opened in Solon in 2013. The original Big Grove quickly became not only one of the town's most popular spots, but a destination restaurant that has drawn national attention. Big Grove head chef Benjamin Smart was named one of the 30 chefs to watch nationwide by Plate magazine last year.