Big Grove Brewery is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a week full of festivities
One of Iowa's most recognizable breweries is celebrating its humble beginnings with a massive birthday party.
Big Grove Brewery opened its first location in Solon in 2013; now, the brewery is known across the state of Iowa for fresh craft seasonal beers and "Iowa nice" hospitality, and the establishment is poised for a 10-year anniversary blowout.
Big Grove also boasts an impressive location in Iowa City, while the establishment opened a taproom in Des Moines last year. The brewery is planning to open a spot in Cedar Rapids this year as well.
The mother and son team of Faye and Matt Swift approached Doug Goettsch more than 10 years ago with an idea for a farm-to-table restaurant prioritizing a seasonal food menu and quality beer. The Swifts asked Goettsch to be manager, who was working at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley.
Instead, he countered with his desire to partner with the family.
"Matt and I have tremendous trust in each other, and Doug was a constant hospitality guru," Swift said. "That's who he is in his bones."
The trio opened Big Grove's original location in Solon, knowing they wanted to expand throughout eastern Iowa. They ran into zoning issues in North Liberty, pivoting to a preexisting building on Solon's main street.
"It's been the best thing that we've had. This town has been amazing," Goettsch said. "A thank you to this city of Solon, supporting us all this time. (I have to) thank the city, like the administrators that have helped make this all possible. It's a cool thing. I don't think many people suspect the town this size has a restaurant and brewery that's as unique as ours."
Staying connected to their guests
Big Grove strives to offer approachable food while providing guests with a unique experience thanks to a rotating seasonal menu compiled by Iowa-grown ingredients from more than 24 Iowa farms.
"The menu [is] very approachable; you're going to get a cheeseburger and fries. But that cheeseburger was going to have a bun that was made here, aoli that was made here, pickles made in-house, and meat that is custom ground for us," Goettsch said. "We're going to introduce all these cool flavors and vegetables and techniques on the menu and let people discover."
Big Grove has exploded in popularity over the last decade. The patio in Solon often fills up by 5:30 p.m., and the rest of the dining area quickly follows. The brewery opened its brewpub in Iowa City in 2017, with Des Moines following a few years later.
"There are days where it feels like it's been 10 years and days like it hasn't," Goettsch said. "We just try to get a little bit better each day."
Big Grove's 10th anniversary celebration starts Saturday, Aug. 26 with festivities across the state. The action begins in Iowa City with a concert by local acts. Readers can use code backyardbigshow1z to receive 25% off two tickets. The 10-year milestone party will follow a week later on Sunday, Sept. 3, at the original Solon Big Grove location.
Big Grove's 10th-anniversary schedule
Backyard Big Show, Iowa City (5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26)
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom Iowa City welcomes The Dip, Alanna Royale, and James Tutson and the Rollback to the main outdoor stage for the Backyard Big Show, the brewery's inaugural live music celebration. All tickets are general admission and are $45 each. Tickets can be purchased tickets online.
Market After Dark, Cedar Rapids (6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26)
Find Big Grove at the Market After Dark event in downtown Cedar Rapids. The brewery is this year’s main stage sponsor, located at 5th Street & 4th Avenue SE, featuring the premier Twin Cities horn band, High and Mighty.
10-Year Fan Trivia & Special Anniversary Beer Tapping, Solon (3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29)
Trivia all-day to celebrate 10 years in Solon, featuring special merchandise prizes for winners. Plus, two exclusive anniversary beer tappings at 3 p.m.
Teach me how to Dougie, Des Moines (11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30)
The Des Moines taproom is offering a special menu item featuring a combination of mac and cheese with tater tot casserole, a legendary Solon menu item named after Big Grove co-founder Doug Goettsch. Top it off with special beers exclusive to Des Moines.
Throwback Thursday, Iowa City (5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31)
Wear your best Big Grove Brewery throwback gear and get entered to win a $100 raffle prize.
Fryfest, Coralville (1-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1)
Find Big Grove at the FRYfest High Porch Block Party in the Beverage Garden, where they will offer free samples and merchandise for purchase. The Block Party is just outside the Hyatt Exhibit Hall, with access to the bags area, food, and cold beverages.
Watch parties in Des Moines and Iowa City (Saturday, Sept. 2)
Watch Iowa vs. Utah State and Iowa State vs. UNI at the Big Grove Brewery taprooms. Unique game day-themed foods and anniversary beverages are planned at each location.
10-year celebration in Solon (10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3)
It’s an all-day Labor Day weekend, Solon Sunday Funday street party with kids and family activities from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., live music, commemorative beer releases, and a closing concert hosted by the Trophy Dads, Solon’s premier party band.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: What to expect for Big Grove Brewery's 10th anniversary celebration
