ALAIEDON TWP. – The owner of the former Golden Rose Restaurant is revamping the business as a brewpub.

Spartan Brewpub is set to open later this month at 3056 Okemos Road across the street from Jackson National Life Insurance's headquarters and just south of Interstate 96.

Tom McNeil, who owned the Golden Rose and runs a catering business out of the space, will run the kitchen. Jon Wells, his son-in-law, will manage the brewpub.

"There's not a place in the area where you can go to relax after work," Wells said. "You can come here after work and have some drinks."

The brewpub will make five of its own craft beers with 15 others on tap from breweries around the state. It will also serve liquor.

“I want it to be that little local gem that you go for quality beer,” said Tyler Martell, the head brewer.

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They haven't started brewing yet, but Martell plans to have an amber, IPA, porter, hefeweizen and blonde ale on tap.

When the brewpub opens, it will be the 11th brewery in the Lansing area, with six more expected to open this year.

There are no brewpubs in the immediate neighborhood, McNeil said, and "making beer is big right now because craft beer is a big part of people's taste buds."

McNeil is bringing back some of the menu items from The Golden Rose, including pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. There will also be pizza, burgers, chicken strips and even a plate of glazed bacon.

The restaurant will host live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

McNeil used to run Windsor Mountain Grill in Dimondale and The British Isles in Okemos. He also ran the kitchen at the Groesbeck Golf Course.

He closed The Golden Rose in 2008 because his wife told him he was working too much. He still runs County House Catering out of the space.

The retired life doesn’t suit McNeil.

“I’m like a shark,” he said. “I’ve got to keep moving. I’ve been a chef all my life. I’d rather be doing something and be busy.”

Spartan Brewpub doesn't have a set opening date because the business is waiting on approvals from the Ingham County Health Department. Wells is hoping to open by the end of the month.

Alexander Alusheff is a reporter with the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at (517) 388-5973 or aalusheff@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexalusheff.

Hours of operation

Tuesday through Thursday: 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.

*The restaurant is not yet open.