ZwanzigZ Brewery Taking Over Management of Columbus Craft Beerfest

Columbus Craft Beerfest is pouring on new energy with new leadership.

ZwanzigZ brewpub and pizzeria, involved as advisers since the event began in 2016, now will spearhead the event.

“The amount of time it takes every year to do Beerfest — well, it’s a lot,” Jordan Hilber, treasurer of the event’s planning committee. “And most of us have full-time jobs and families and other endeavors.”

Elaine Wagner, president of the planning committee, mentioned that she and others will remain on board this year to assist with the leadership transition.

ZwanzigZ owners Kurt and Lisa Zwanzig said attendees at this fall’s event — for which a date has not yet been set — will notice little difference as a result of the change in official guidance.

The owners have hired Caroline Letzel as the business’ publicity and event coordinator of Columbus Craft Beerfest, and other events at ZwanzigZ’s new warehouse and brewery space.

Wagner presented checks to two local nonprofits from the 2017 event’s proceeds. The Columbus Park Foundation and Just Friends Adult Day Services each received $30,775, which wowed onlookers and recipients alike.

“From Just Friends’ point of view, this couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Marilyn Clerc, executive director of the agency that provides structured activities for older residents. “We’re in the midst of a little bit of a downturn.”

Columbus Park Foundation Board President Chip Orben looked at the total with a surprised expression.

“I’m speechless, quite frankly,” Orben said. “We have a great parks system in Columbus, but we can always enhance it and make it better.”