It is hard to imagine Grand Rapids’ Ionia Avenue before the arrival of HopCat -- a downtown watering hole that not only boasts one of the most eclectic beer lists anywhere in the country, but is a place that has received numerous awards like the prestigious RateBeer.com ranking in 2012 and 2013 as the number one brewpub in the United States.
In addition to a great selection of beers from around the world, HopCat’s other claim to fame is its secret spices that, when added to their deep fried potatoes, becomes the much-sought after menu item: crack fries.
On the occasion of their ninth anniversary in Grand Rapids, HopCat is inviting the public to come celebrate with them. Instead of free cake, those who show up can enjoy complimentary crack fries from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (with every meal) -- as well asinvite guests to participate in a series of special activities happening on this special customer-focused appreciation day when the gifts keep coming your way.
Right when the doors open at 11 a.m., fans of their limited release brews will have a chance to secure bottles of HopCat’s 2017 Oil Spiller — their trademark Imperial Stout — and 2017 Red Nymph, brewer Ernie's too-tasty-to-be-true flanders red sour ale.
In addition to a host of specialty brews created for the day will be three collaboration offerings from New Belgium Brewery, Arcadia Ales and Rockford Brewing Company.
There is also a chance at 3 p.m. to enter to win $500 during. HopCat’s crack fries eating contest, and the local winner will advance to the finals in Ypsilanti at the 2017 Michigan Brewer’s Guild Summer Beer Festival. If you wish to compete, you must register before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. You can do it in person or contact HopCat’s general manager, Matt Wemple, at
[email protected] or by calling 616-451-4677.
If you miss the event, or maybe the thought of crowds of folks watching a person cram as many crack fries in their pie hole is not your style, then lucky for you there is a more civilized way to celebrate this wildly popular downtown brewpub by attending its special beer anniversary dinner on Sunday, when specialty beers will be paired with a five-course meal. Check out the details
here.
For more info about Saturday’s event, you can go here.