The “permanently closed” status on one of Lowell’s beloved brewpubs, Big Boiler Brewing, might leave regulars shocked. But worry not, as the brewpub rebranded and is now Hop Hog Backyard Brewpub with revamped offerings. This news was reported by a few major outlets in the area.
Located at 318 E Main St, the old Big Boiler was a familiar name to the community. The brewpub opened its doors in 2017 and changed hands to the current owners, Brent Slagell and Jim Zawacki, in 2022. In a Crain’s Grand Rapids article, the owners cited continued decline in sales over the last two years as one of the main reasons behind the rebrand.
“I’ve been there for the past eight months trying to make things work under the Big Boiler concept,” Slagell told Crain’s Grand Rapids.
Hop Hog is not a new concept. In fact, it is an extension of Hop Hog Backyard Barbecue in Greenville, which the owners opened in 2021. A key aspect behind the restaurant’s success was its focus on being gluten-friendly. Naturally, the newly rebranded Hop Hog will continue this tradition.
“I had people from different countries, different states, saying, ‘You need to bring one of those here,’” David Harvey, director of operations for Hop Hog, told Crain’s Grand Rapids. “My phone didn’t stop going off for about two weeks.”
The new eatery will offer various classic barbecue items, including a wide array of smoked meats and classic side items. Inheriting the gluten-friendly approach, Hop Hog will dedicate three fryers specifically for frying gluten-free foods.
