Michigan Beer Company opens in Novi

Dan Linnen, who helped launch Rojo Mexican Bistro, has introduced his newest concept, the Michigan Beer Company in Novi.

In following with the growing demand for locally-sourced ingredients, the beer menu at Michigan Beer Company will be ever-changing, serving up as many Michigan-made beers as possible. The food will be Michigan-made, including shrimp from Farm Fresh Seafood in Okemos, venison sourced from the Thumb area, and rabbit from Hoppin Good Farms.

To head the kitchen, Linnen recruited Chef Jeff Krulikowski, a former sous chef at Toasted Oak Grill and Market, also in Novi. In designing the menu, Krulikowski plays up the Mitten State theme, with entrees like the Bad Axe Venison Burger, New Holland Cabin Fever Braised Pork Belly, and the Michigan trout with butternut squash hash.

As for beer, Linnen says he wanted to give Michigan craft brew lovers a place to call home, and that if a brewery has a distributor, he will make sure that it's on the menu. And if guests find something they want to enjoy later, they can purchase brews to go at a growler station. An adjacent year-round beer garden featuring images of popular Michigan destinations will be open weekends, offering full beer and casual food access. The spot will also feature, live music every weekend, special events, and Sunday brunch beginning in January.