This historic Columbus brewery first opened in 1836; Now it’s bringing a unique new taproom to the east side

In 1836, Hoster Brewing Co. opened its doors as the city’s first brewery. The better part of a century later, a brand-new Hoster taproom and production facility will open on the east side of Columbus.

Hoster Brewing’s long-awaited taproom and production facility, which will be located at 653 N. James Rd., will likely open sometime this fall, according to managing partner Daniel Meyers.

The LLC behind the new iteration of the brewery purchased Hoster’s brand and trade rights. Hoster beer was previously contract brewed through several Midwestern breweries, before relocating to a production facility of its own on Harmon Avenue. A previous Hoster “revival” taproom also existed until 2004 at 55 S. High St.

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The new taproom will pay homage to Hoster’s historical place in Columbus, and plans to incorporate a wide range of nostalgic elements, including a 1940’s bar pulled from a historic hotel.

Meyers noted that the new location–which is located just south of John Glenn International Airport, in the same industrial plaza as the wholesale facility of The Butcher & Grocer on James Road–is a bit of a hike for Downtown residents, but that’s just how Hoster wants it to be.

“We like the location because it’s off the beaten path. It’s a little hard to find, and will feel almost like a private club,” he said. “We grabbed it when we were given an opportunity to get this space.”

Meyers said the Hoster taproom will likely seat up to 50 people. It will offer snacks like German pretzels and other small plates, and plans to host food trucks as well.

Known for brewing traditional German styles of beer, Hoster will lean into this, brewing its popular Gold Top lager, in addition to a handful of other flagship lagers. It will also offer several IPAs, seasonal beers, and several guest taps.

Beer will be available to go, and Hoster will also package beer for retail sale at the new James Road space, which it plans to self-distribute.

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