The Ohio Brewing Company/Damon’s Grill is located at 222 S. Main Steet, in the heart of downtown Akron. We occupy part of the old O’Neil’s Department Store, which served Akron area customers for over 60 years, finally closing in 1990. The City of Akron purchased the building, completely renovated it in the 1990’s and found new occupants ranging form accounting and law firms to eateries.
Two of the principal owners of the Ohio Brewing
Company, Chris and Michael Verich, discovered
the charming building after a long search in North-
East Ohio for a site for their dream brewpub.
Chris Verich has a long history in designing and
producing award-winning beers at his former brewery
in Niles, the original Ohio Brewing Company. Chris
has also ties to the Akron area having graduated
with Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Political
Science from Kent State University. Chris’ diverse
backround includes time spent as an Ohio State
Representative and extensive work for the
State of Ohio in consumer advocacy. Chris also holds the position of Manager of Brewing
Operations at the new Ohio Brewing Company in Akron.
Michael, the other Verich brother and owner, also has ties to the Akron area, having
graduated with a law degree from the University of Akron Law School. Michael then
spent over sixteen years as a State Representative before becoming a labor relations
board member and adjudicator. After an extensive time planning the project, funding
was secured to purchase the space from the City of Akron.
Then two key members of the organization were brought in to hold important positions:
Mark Meassick for General Manager and Dennis Holland as Head Brewer. Mark has over
fifteen years experience in the Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant chain, including some years
as General Manager and Regional Manager. Dennis Holland has a long stellar career as
a brewmaster for various craft breweries, including stints at Great Lakes Brewing in
Cleveland, Leavenworth Brewing in Leavenworth, Washington and BOB’s House of Brews,
in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dennis has won multiple medals at the Great American Beer
Festival and the World Beer Cup.
