The VanDerZee Motorplex in South Haven is already the #1 Kawasaki Jet Ski dealer in the entire nation, but now that plans to add a craft brewery and restaurant on site are advancing, those days at number one could be dwarfed by what’s on the horizon.
Already a destination dealership in nearly every regard, the complex at 1875 Phoenix Road in South Haven is revving up its economic development engine to add a brewery and restaurant there called Three Blondes Brewing. You may recall the original story posted here on Moody on the Market.com last winter, which you can read by clicking this link:
https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/coming-three-blondes-brewing-restaurant/
The project has lined up financing with Honor Credit Union and construction is now underway for a spring opening 2018.
As reported in that segment, the appropriately named Three Blondes Brewing will continue the tradition of family-owned business as the brewery will be owned and operated by the three VanDerZee daughters and their husbands, Megan and Matt Zernicke, Carrie and Adam Troyer, and Amanda and Joe Johnson.
Their expansion into the food and beverage industry demonstrates the family’s continued commitment to the South Haven community and the local economy. Supporting the growth of locally owned businesses is a primary focus of Honor Credit Union’s business lending team and its recent partnership with Three Blondes Brewing exemplifies the power of credit union and small business collaboration.
The Three Blondes grew up in South Haven and are dedicated to the development of the community as not only a beautiful place to visit, but also a great place to live. According to owner Matt Zernicke, “Breweries have been known to revitalize small communities and our goal is to help South Haven grow and thrive. We want to build a destination brewery that is a gathering place for both locals and tourists alike.”
Three Blondes Brewing will be open year-round, displaying a modern industrial design with locally sourced food and beverages. The family plans to invest heavily in the community by providing employment opportunities, sponsoring and participating in local festivals, and partnering with local businesses to offer its location as an event venue.
Sharing a long-standing commitment to the greater Berrien County area, the partnership between Honor Credit Union and Three Blondes Brewing is centered around two local businesses collaborating for the betterment of the community as a whole. Bringing their member promise to Provide Solutions for Financial Success to their business relationships, Honor Credit Union not only provides financial products and services to businesses like Three Blondes Brewing but guidance and support as well.
Matt Zernicke says, “We chose Honor as our lending partner because of their enthusiasm for the project, confidence in our business, and their previous experiences with other breweries and wineries.”
Scott McFarland is Chief Executive Officer at Honor Credit Union. He says, “Providing financial support to locally owned businesses like Three Blondes Brewing is just one way Honor Credit Union stands by our commitment to reinvest in our local economy.” He adds, “We are excited about the mission of the brewery to serve as a business that gives back to its community.”
To learn even more about Three Blondes Brewing, you can follow them on Facebook at this address:
