CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WKBW) — It is a sign of progress sure to catch the eye of Western New York beer enthusiasts. Work on the new facility for the Big Ditch Brewing Company in Cheektowaga is moving ahead.
Construction crews started demolition of the existing hotel and adjacent building located at 6700 Transit Road last week. The work will clear the way for the proposed second location for the craft brewing company.
Like many projects the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in both approvals and construction for the new facility which has pushed back the opening date. "We are not far off," said Iskalo Development Company Executive Vice President David Chiazza. "Our original schedule anticipated opening of the building around year end 2021. More likely, it will be spring of 2022, perhaps early spring if all goes well."
"We continue to have high demand for our beer in Western New York and beyond, including demand for beers we don't currently have the capacity to make at our downtown Buffalo brewery, which means the need for our new brewery is still very, very real", said Big Ditch Brewing President & Co-Founder Matt Kahn in an update posted on the company website.
The new facility will feature dining areas on both floors. The tap room and beer hall areas will be located on the first floor with a private dining room and retail store. The second floor will house additional tap room seating, the Brewer's Lounge, three additional private dining/meeting rooms and a private event venue.
The existing downtown Buffalo brewery and tap room on Huron Street is expected to remain up and running after completion of the new facility.
"What's Going on With . . ." is a WKBW series focused on WNY development. Is there a project in your community that you would like to update or get more information about? Email 7 Eyewitness News Anchor Jeff Russo at jeff.russo@wkbw.com.
