PARMA, Ohio -- Parma may be known for having a lot of bars, but now the seventh-largest city in the state is finally getting its first microbrewery. Schnitz Ale Brewery -- located at 5729 Pearl Road -- is due to open this fall.

The visionary for the 9,000-square-foot business is Igor Djurin, whose family owns and operates Das Schnitzel Haus directly across the street.

“We figured just with the German restaurant and the beer, it’s a no-brainer,” Djurin said. “It was always a plan of ours to start a brewery. We’ve been looking for something in the area for about two years before this building came on the market about a year ago.

“We’re trying to incorporate the Das Schnitzel Haus, but we’re also trying to spin it off on its own as well. We’ll focus more on a variety of homemade sausages, more of a small plate set-up rather than the full dining experience you’d get at the restaurant. In addition, we’ll have a tasting room for the beer.”

Being constructed in two phases, Schnitz Ale Brewery will boast six fermenters brewing everything from IPAs and German-style Kolsch to seasonal offerings, with between eight and 10 taps.

Djurin expects the brewery operation and bar to be completed this fall, with the second phase featuring a tasting room and party area to host catered events coming next year.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Debbie Lime said that not only is the Schnitz Ale Brewery going to be good for business, it’s also going to transform the property, which was formerly a customized-glass business.

“The building right now is an eyesore,” Lime said. “I can’t tell you how many times I turned complaints in about the property over the last couple of years.

“I’m so looking forward to what they’re looking to do to the outside of the building. It’ll be beautiful, and a great use for the building.”

Mayor Tim DeGeeter is excited that Parma is getting its first microbrewery.

“It’s this type of businesses that attract people to our city,” DeGeeter said. “The owner’s investment is welcomed, as well as the significant transformation of the building. It’ll look amazing when completed.”

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