Rendering via Sidecar Creative

Dart boards for eyes, a bust of the brewery’s namesake on a spring, a painting of William Howard Taft driving a DeLorean a la Back to the Future – Cincinnati-based Taft’s Brewing Company is going all in on its soon-to-open Columbus Brewpourium at the Gravity development in Franklinton.

Renderings give a peek inside the 5,800 square foot space which will have a 90s pop-art feel according to Managing Partner Dave Kassling, along with plenty of nods to WHT. The legendary stuck in the White House bathtub story gave rise to the brewery’s logo, and the bathtub chairs that will flank the location’s entrance.

There’s not a cookie cutter to be found as Kassling says to expect a very different look from their Cincinnati Brewpourium. He stresses it’s important to them that they become a part of the Columbus and specifically, Franklinton, communities.

“We didn’t actually go to Columbus thinking we want to come to Columbus to come to Columbus, we put feelers out to look for spaces that really fit our brand and what we’re trying to do going forward,” Kassling says.

Taft’s brand includes some of Cincinnati’s favorite beers and its New Haven-style pizza.

Kassling says their Gavel Banger IPA won a recent poll of Cincinnati’s best beers, with another of their brews, Nellie’s Keylime Ale, coming in second. Those pours will be available on the Columbus Brewpourium’s 16 taps, along with a beer brewed on-site specific to the Columbus location.

Think a cross between Neapolitan and New York style pizzas for the Brewpourium’s New Haven specialty. The coal-fired oven, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees, leaves the pie with a crispy crust that is still chewy on the inside. The menu will be rounded out with appetizers unique to Columbus that have a more foodie-flair.

To stay entertained during the beer drinking and pizza eating, Taft’s will have a stage, dubbed The Tub. Kassling says they’ll bring programming similar to Cincinnati to the new spot, including trivia, movie nights, comedy, dog yoga and more. That’s also where the dart board eyes live when the stage is not in use.

A game area includes shuffleboard, a bar with built-in, old-school gaming systems and Killer Queen.

“We just want this to be a fun experience,” Kassling says.

Taft’s is aiming for a November 15 opening (but check the brewery’s social media for updates). That means the 2,000 square foot patio won’t make its formal debut this year, but imbibers can expect a more finished patio come spring.

Taft’s is located at 440 W. Broad St. For more information, visit taftsalehouse.com.

All renderings via Sidecar Creative