Forest City Brewery Owners Listed Building for Sale

The Cleveland brewery owners have put their building on the market for $2.4 million while planning to remain as long-term tenants.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Beer

Forest City Brewery Owners Listed Building for Sale

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Is it generally better for a small business to own its building rather than leasing it?

The property at 2135 Columbus Road in Cleveland, which houses Forest City Brewery, has been listed for sale for $2.4 million. The owners intend to secure a long-term lease to continue operations at the location.

Why it matters

The owners aim to shift their focus from property management to brewery operations, citing the significant time and resources required for building maintenance. This transition is intended to provide capital for future staff and facility investments.

The building at 2135 Columbus Road is listed for $2.4 million. The site has a long history, having operated as a beer garden as early as 1865 before the brewery began operations there in 2014.

The players

Forest City Brewery

An independent brewery based in the Duck Island neighborhood of Cleveland that has operated at 2135 Columbus Road since 2014.

The details

By selling the property but retaining the lease, the brewery hopes to free up resources to improve the facility and increase staffing levels. Future enhancements under new ownership could include projects like the addition of a rooftop deck.

1865: The site served as a beer garden.
2014: Forest City Brewery began its operations.
October 17, 2026: The brewery will host a neighborhood clambake event.
October 25, 2026: The brewery will hold its 11th annual pumpkin-carving night.

Culture Shift

This move reflects a growing trend among local hospitality businesses seeking to trade asset ownership for long-term operational flexibility. By adopting this sale-leaseback model, the owners are prioritizing business growth over the demands of property management.

Regular patrons should see no change in daily operations, as the brewery plans to remain in the building as a long-term tenant. The sale is expected to eventually bring improvements to the facility, potentially including a new rooftop deck for the neighborhood.

The takeaway

Small business owners often reach a point where real estate responsibilities outweigh their primary goals. Transitioning to a lease structure can be a strategic way to unlock capital for reinvestment into core business growth.