Griffin Claw earns endorsement for license

Griffin Claw Brewing Company on Monday, June 18, received an endorsement from the Rochester Hills City Council for an application to the state's liquor control commission for a new microbrewer/small wine maker/small distiller license.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission requires the city where the license is being applied for to recommend approval to the state for the license in order for it to be issued.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company, 2263 and 2273 Crooks, includes a 33,000-square-foot facility with brewing operations. The facility includes a warehouse, brewing area and a potential taproom. The business is headquartered in Birmingham, but space restrictions have forced the company to expand its operations.

Scott LePage, an owner who represented Eton Street Brewery LLC (Griffin Claw), said the brewery will need to build up a reserve of product before deciding the fate of its existing Clubhouse BFD, 2265 in Rochester Hills, which is owned and operated by the LePage family. He said the market will decide whether the existing restaurant will be converted into a Griffin Claw taproom or put into escrow.

Council unanimously approved the recommendation.