Brewery in Former Summit Mall Gets $750K Grant

Originally published in Niagara Gazette

John Robinson of Big Thunder Brewing Co. poses with a copy of the new company's logo. They plan to set up shop inside the former Summit Park Mall.

A $750,000 state grant has been approved for Big Thunder Brewing Company to be located in the former Summit Park Mall in Wheatfield.

The funding will go toward brewing equipment for Big Thunder Brewing Co., which will be located in the former Save-A-Lot. The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.1 million, and will include a small distillery, sports bar and restaurant. The project is expected to create more than 50 new jobs and will be completed in early 2018. 

The Wheatfield Local Development Corporation will administer the $750,000 Community Development Block Grant to the brewing company, according to Sen. Rob Ortt’s office. 

John Robinson, general manager and partner of Big Thunder Brewing Co., appreciated the assistance of local officials.

“This project is just the beginning of our vision to become a sports and entertainment destination that will include two sports domes, retail, a daycare, baseball fields across from the mall and more,” he said. “We want to attract people and jobs to the area and continue to create opportunities for future growth.”