Twelve years after Radius Brewing opened to the public, the microbrewery has taken another step towards local enjoyment and regional production.
Radius had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and formal reveal of its new Production and Taproom at 17 West 4th. Co-owner Chad Smith says it felt “amazing” to reach this point.
Smith says business at the restaurant, 610 Merchant, increased to the point where, as he put it —
— as evidenced by a Glass Blown Open block party and bonfire several years ago. The business scouted for a potential production location, landing on the former Spic & Span dry cleaning space. And after a lengthy renovation period, it fits the bill, both with local demand and regional interest.
Emporia Main Street, ESB Financial and others worked with funding packages to make the plan come to life. Main Street Director Casey Woods says Radius is a showcase — and a statement — for Emporia as a whole.
Woods says the Radius plan for expansion comes with the business earning a solid reputation among other brewers nationally.
Woods says there was a longstanding demand for a brewery that Radius has successfully…tapped into for years. leading to the expansion and the new space.
Besides the production side, the Taproom also features games like pinball, cornhole and others. Smith says it’s a family-friendly space that will also see a lot of public events scheduled down the road.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including video from the event.
Photos by Athena Samples and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
