Big Grove Brewery announces Kansas City taproom

KANSAS CITY — Big Grove is getting bigger as it sprawls to yet another state.

The Iowa brewing titan announced plans Monday to open a new taproom in Kansas City. The new location is slated to open in summer 2026.

The taproom, planned for the suburban Kansas side of the metro, will be Big Grove’s sixth. In addition to its existing Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Iowa City and Solon locations, an Omaha taproom opens this summer.

The Kansas City taproom, whose address has not been revealed yet, will use its standard building model with a large patio, full service restaurant and on-site brewing — comparable to locations in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Omaha.

In a new step toward facilitating regional expansion, the brand is also offering store directors at each spot the opportunity to become owners in the company within their taproom locations. In a news release Monday, Big Grove said the strategic initiative would help deepen the brand’s commitment to empowering local and community-oriented leadership.

The new ownership model is being implemented first in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Solon, in addition to the new Omaha and Kansas City locations.

“We believe the best way to grow is by growing together,” said Doug Goettsch, cofounder of Big Grove Brewery. “Our team members are the soul of this company, and offering them this opportunity to build equity in their stores is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest back into our people.”

In addition to its taproom presence, the brand has branched out through beer distribution across six states — Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Kansas. The latter two markets opened earlier this year, in anticipation of the Kansas City taproom.

“There is a portion of southwest Minnesota we have opened up, and with licensing established with the state now, we plan on expanding that geography as well,” said Bryan Farrell, director of marketing.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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