Granite City Food & Brewery

Granite City Food & Brewery is a polished casual American restaurant chain featuring handcrafted beer and made-from-scratch recipes. Founded with a commitment to quality dining experiences, the brand operates 30 locations across 13 states and is known for its patented Fermentus Interruptus™ brewing process that enables on-site craft beer production at each restaurant.

The company was acquired by BBQ Holdings (parent of Famous Dave's) after successfully restructuring through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Under the leadership of returning founder Bill Wagenheim, Granite City has renewed its focus on existing markets with measured growth rather than aggressive expansion.

Granite City restaurants typically require 8,000-10,000 square feet and feature a polished casual dining atmosphere with full-service bar capabilities. The brand has earned numerous awards nationwide for Best Restaurant, Best Brunch, Best Patio, Best Beer, Best Martini, and Best Burger, including recognition as a Nation's Restaurant News Hot Concept Winner.

The company operates a beer production facility in Ellsworth, Iowa, supporting the unique brewing capabilities across all locations. With corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota, Granite City maintains an average revenue of $146.4 million and continues to focus on operational excellence and market optimization.

For real estate opportunities and site selection criteria, Granite City seeks prominent locations with strong traffic patterns and adequate square footage to accommodate both dining and brewing operations. The brand's proven track record and established market presence make it an attractive tenant for quality shopping centers and entertainment districts.