HOWELL TWP. — A mining site might not seem like a prime location for a microbrewery, but when you hear the story, it makes sense.
Schmuck’s Brewing founder Brad Jonckheere, who owns American Concrete Products — a gravel and sand mine and concrete business at 4944 Mason Road — plans to convert an old office building on the property into the brewery’s first brick-and-mortar location.
And that’s just the first phase.
“The mining is basically done, so that’s the next chapter,” Jonckheere said. “We’re actually in the process of working on the feasibility of a campground.”
He said construction of the microbrewery and taproom is expected to begin this spring.
“It’s going to be a neighborhood watering hole,” he said.
The business will “start small” with a taproom on the ground floor seating about a dozen people. After the taproom is open, they’ll work on converting the upper floor into “more of a restaurant” with a commercial kitchen and more seating.
Jonckheere began brewing beer out of his home years ago. It was a hobby that turned into a passion.