Land-Grant Brewing Company could be expanding beyond its Franklinton roots, with public records showing the Columbus-based brewery has applied for a liquor license at the former Nocterra Brewing space in Powell, according to the Columbus Underground.
The application lists the property at 41 Depot St., Powell, OH, which previously housed Nocterra Brewing’s Powell location. Nocterra closed the location in August, alongside its Brewery District taproom.
Land-Grant has not publicly announced what plans it has for the property or confirmed whether the project will involve Nocterra. The liquor license application also does not establish what type of operation may eventually open at the address.
Nocterra, meanwhile, has indicated that it may have plans to return. In an August statement, owners Bruce Vivian and Bryan and Lori Duncan described the closure as temporary and said the company’s leadership was committed to finding a path forward.
The brewery later renewed its liquor license application for the Powell location in late September. Its website has also teased a new chapter, displaying messages including “Something’s Brewing, Stay Tuned” and “Embark on a new adventure with us.”
Founded by friends Adam Benner and Walt Keys, Land-Grant Brewing began as a homebrewing project in 2010 under the name Oval Brewing. The founders adopted the Land-Grant name in 2012 before opening their first taproom in 2014 at 424 W. Town St. in Columbus‘ Franklinton neighborhood.
Over the years, the brewery has expanded its Franklinton operations with the Beer Garden in 2018, offering live music and outdoor games, followed by the winterized Winter Garden in 2021. Land-Grant also operates a taproom at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
A Powell location would mark Land-Grant’s first standalone taproom outside Franklinton. However, the brewery has not yet shared details about the potential concept, planned amenities, renovation schedule, or opening date.
Land-Grant’s existing Franklinton taproom remains open. More information about the brewery can be found at landgrantbrewing.com.
WhatNow will continue to follow the project and update this article as more information becomes available.
