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SAULT STE. MARIE — After 10 years, Soo Brewing Company is in the transition of moving its business to 100 W. Portage Ave. and consolidating with 1668 Winery.

According to Ray Bauer, owner of Soo Brewing Company, the move has taken all year, beginning with the construction of the new brewing facility and upper deck last spring. Soo Brewing Company’s last day at its original location was Saturday, October 31.

“In today’s world, it’s getting harder and harder to make money in a room that sells beer only and not food,” Bauer said, explaining why the Soo Brewing Company moved. “Instead of putting money into a rental property to build a kitchen, we decided to move the brewing facility down the street, where we already own a restaurant and are licensed to brew beer and make wine. The money we save by no longer paying rent went into constructing what we hope will be the top destination for microbrew enthusiasts from Gaylord to Marquette.”

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The deck that was built on top of the new brewing room has a view of the St. Mary’s River, which Bauer believes should be an attraction from late spring until late fall. He also said that consolidating both Soo Brewing Company and 1668 Winery under one roof is an easier move from a logistical standpoint.

The move began on Wednesday, Dec. 16, and at this time, a walk-in cooler, a glycol chiller and five 3.5 barrel brite tanks still need to be moved. The individual pieces of equipment weigh an estimated 400 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the equipment. Soo Brewing Company would like to have its business relocated by the end of the year. Movers include CJ Weisenburger, Jimi Dunn, Rob Martens, Nate Bartz, Lou Krupa, Scott Markstrom, Chuck McCready, Kirk Glezen and Bauer.

“The move will also mean more beers on tap, eventually, as well as a return of our draught non-alcoholic root beer and new products, such as cider and hard seltzer in the coming year,” said Bauer. “Most of all, we are looking forward to opening the upper deck, which will seat 48 people and should be a great spot for freighter-watching, people-watching and fireworks-watching.”

For more information about Soo Brewing Company, visit www.soobrew.com.

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