For the Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Airways Brewing Company today announced expansion and remodel plans for their Beer & Bistro in downtown Kent, 320 W. Harrison St.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The second location for Airways Brewing opened on Nov. 1, 2011, and continues to draw craft beer lovers, earning the Best Economic Engine Award from the Kent Downtown Partnership in 2013.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “The bistro was something different for us and we didn’t know quite know what to expect,” said Alex Dittmar, founder and head brewer at Airways Brewing Company. “We took our already strong brand and built a solid reputation for quality. Thanks to our fantastic customers, we’ve decided to grow in downtown Kent and I think people are going to love what we have planned.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The expanded restaurant will bring seating capacity from 35 to 150 seats. The additional space will include a family friendly seating area, while the space will be remodeled and remain 21 and over.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A 3,000-square-foot patio will be transformed into a gated garden space for outdoor music and entertainment, and year-round use thanks to fire pit tables and retractable awnings. A dilapidated kiosk out front will be stripped and rebuilt to house a grill and smoker as well as potential bar seating.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “We’re very excited about what these changes mean for our company, and the team that has helped build it,” said co-owner Dione Dittmar. “We also feel that our expansion fits in well with the City of Kent’s long-term plans for the area, as well as demand from Kent residents for more restaurants and retail in the heart of downtown.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Construction is planned in two phases, starting in the next few weeks to make sure the outdoor area is ready for summer. The indoor construction is planned to start this summer.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Airways Brewing Company is working with Raven Commercial Real Estate as the developer of this property.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n