Backpocket Brewing plans Cedar Rapids location

CEDAR RAPIDS - Coralville-based Backpocket Brewing Company is planning to open a second location in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Plans call for Backpocket Pilot Pub to open this summer at 415 Third St. SE. The building, built in 1908, previously housed Sokol Gymnasium, and the gymnasium space will be used for the 4,500 square-foot brewery and restaurant area.

The Pilot Pub will offer a more extensive menu than the Coralville location and will have smaller brewing tanks, which will allow brewers to focus on small batch experimental beers.

Developer Charles Jones is working with the brewery on a renovation of the building, which is currently under construction. Jones did not immediately return a call for comment Thursday, but The Gazette has previously reported he planned to invest at least $2.5 million in the space and in return will receive a property tax break projected to equal $300,000 over 10 years.

Along with the brewpub, Jones' plans called for shops, a rooftop lounge and four high-end apartments.

Backpocket Brewing opened in Coralville's Iowa River Landing in 2012. The brewer previously operated as Old Man River Brewing Company in McGregor.