One of East Lansing’s newest bars was chosen as a top attraction in the country, and will soon break ground in a new location.
HopCat has been making headlines lately with its grand opening in East Lansing last year, their wide craft beer selection and the Grand Rapids location having recently been named the No. 1 brewpub in the United States by RateBeer.com for the second time in a row. HopCat also is in the process of expanding its venues and will be making its mark in southeast Michigan this summer.
HopCat is set to open up a Detroit location this August and will offer patrons 130 beers on tap to choose from.
HopCat owner Mark Sellers said the expansion to Detroit was a natural step.
“Detroit is undergoing a revitalization and we want to be a part of that,” he said.
Clinical laboratory sciences senior Jessica Hernandez said opening a venue such as HopCat in Detroit would add a new, fresh vibe to the city.
“I think a new location in Detroit would bring a new atmosphere and people,” Hernandez said.
As for the recognition, Sellers said he was thrilled to hear his brewpub nominated best in the nation, adding he never expected it.
“It says that our love of beer is infectious,” Sellers said. “The whole organization is modeled around great beer and great food.”
RateBeer Executive Director Joe Tucker said often times when RateBeer makes a selection for the No. 1 title, more people start paying attention to it and start flocking there. He said this is how RateBeer gets more reviews.
“It is also based on exposure,” Tucker said. “It really speaks well of HopCat to get high exposure and maintain those ratings.”
RateBeer is an online tool for beer connoisseurs and those alike who can expand their knowledge on anything they would like to know about beer.
In order to be considered for recognition of No. 1 brewpub, the venue must be entered into RateBeer’s database and it also must serve their own beer. Tucker said the website has more than 35,000 entries in its database and hundreds of thousands of people from around the world submit reviews on beer establishments.
The viewers of RateBeer also play an important role in the selection process of the beers and establishments that win prestigious titles.
Tucker said people can put their input on how good the staff is at the establishment, how they like the feel of the place and the value of the place.
Tucker said RateBeer weighs selection very strongly when determining the winner of the best brewpub.
Staff reporters Sierra Lay and Michael Kransz contributed to this report.
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