Hofbrauhaus aims for October opening

Despite the sweltering August heat, brew master Robert Makein was all smiles yesterday afternoon, looking on as a pair of German-imported brewing kettles was delivered to the new Hofbrauhaus Columbus at Grandview Yard.

"And now my work begins," he laughed, as a fork lift maneuvered the massive copper kettles into the building.

The 18,000-square-foot brewpub (800 Goodale Blvd.) is slated to open Oct. 21, says marketing director Matt Plapp, but Makein will start mashing the Munich-based chain's beers next month. Makein, a German-born and Bavarian-state-certified brewer, previously supervised the brewing programs at both the Pittsburgh and Newport, Kentucky, locations.

If you've never been to a Hofbrauhaus, four signature brews are served in hulking, liter-sized mugs: the Premium Lager, Light lager, Dunkel and Hefe Weizen. The Hefe Weizen-"an easy, drinkable ale with fruity and banana notes"-is Makein's favorite during warmer months. Come winter, he turns to the Dunkel, a spicy, robust lager. A fifth seasonal beer will rotate monthly (expect Pilsner in summer, Oktoberfest in fall and a Christmas beer in December), with ceremonial keg-tappings planned for the first Tuesday of every month.

In addition to the beer, the brewpub will offer Bavarian-style brats, burgers, schnitzels and salads (and plenty of live oompah music). Between its dining hall and beer garden, Hofbrauhaus Columbus will offer seating for more than 800 people. To accommodate the anticipated influx of bar-goers, a 500-space parking garage is under construction directly behind the brewpub, on the southeast edge of the Grandview Yard complex.

Building rendering courtesy of Hofbrauhaus America