By: Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
A new business will soon be opening the tap in the heart of Galion as Friday night the 1803 Taproom had its V.I.P. Grand Opening.
Located at 123 Harding Way East in Galion the 1803 Taproom is the brainchild of business colleague’s Chris Stone and Amy Hoff. Featuring 12 brews on tap from 7 Ohio breweries the 1803 Taproom caters to the craft beer crowd.
Stone explained that the V.I.P. Grand Opening was held for a chance for people to check the place out before it officially opens.
“This is an opportunity for people to come out and see what we got, and enjoy an opportunity to mingle and mix with each other and enjoy great Ohio Craft Beer and wines,” Stone said.
The 1803 Taproom is ingrained with community and local pride as artwork from the Brush and Palette Art Gallery adorns the walls. Also featured throughout the taproom are pieces of Galion’s history on loan from the Galion Historical Society. Included in the pieces are signs from the Galion Brewing Company which closed its doors in 1919.
Stone explained the origin of the 1803 Taproom’s name.
“There are now over 130 craft breweries in Ohio. Which Ohio is now number 3 in the country in terms of craft beer production,” Stone said. “So we made the decision that we were going to only feature only Ohio craft beers and we were looking to come up with names and we said ‘well when was Ohio admitted into the Union,’ March 1, 1803, and since we are only featuring Ohio beers and Ohio wine let’s stay with our roots.”
Explaining why he decided to open the taproom up in Galion Stone said it was due to his love for craft beer.
“The last year and a half I have fallen in love with craft beer. So I was like we need something like this here. So I started looking and there was nothing between Columbus and Cleveland,” Stone said. “Now there are breweries, there is the Phoenix Brewing Company in Mansfield, which we have non tap, JAFD Brewing in Wooster, but there aren’t any place around here offering the best craft beers that Ohio has to offer.”
Don’t expect to visit the 1803 Taproom and order food cooked in-house, however if you do get hungry while enjoying a beverage, the taproom has a solution.
“We don’t have a kitchen. We don’t serve food here, and that is intentional,” Stone Said. “Because we want to help build up the community. We have menus from Pizza places and restaurants, and they deliver here. So if you want to order pizza, Chinese, or Mexican you can call, place an order, and they will deliver it table side.”
During Friday night’s engagement Bucyrus native John Schnabel provided acoustic entertainment as guests sampled the offerings of what was on tap.
Kris DiTullio who was enjoying a sampling of the beverages with friends said that she is excited about the new business in Galion.
“I’m excited about it. This brings a nice trendy addition to Galion,” DiTullio explained.
Jared Thew, who was attending the V.I.P. Grand Opening, explained that the 1803 Taproom gives a new shot of vigor to Galion.
“I think it is great. I think it is something new and lively. It is something this town needs is some energy and newness,” Thew said.
The official grand opening for the 1803 Taproom will be held at noon on Saturday, August 1, with an official ribbon cutting and pouring of the first beer. Hours of operation will be Thursday and Friday from 4 to 10 pm Saturday from 12 to 10 pm and Sunday from 1 pm until 9 pm.
Stone noted that while those are the current set of hours that the 1803 Taproom is open to the public, the pub is open for private gatherings or fundraisers for area nonprofit organizations.