Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC), Ohio’s original craft brewery, today announced plans to open a new Great Lakes Experience Bar at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), marking the brewery’s continued growth throughout the region and its first branded airport hospitality destination in Pennsylvania.
Construction on the new location is scheduled to begin in August, with an anticipated opening late fall, 2026. Developed in partnership with Pittsburgh-based Air Ventures, the Great Lakes Experience Bar will bring the brewery’s award-winning beers, signature hospitality, and brewpub-inspired menu to travelers passing through one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports.
The new location represents a significant milestone for Great Lakes Brewing Co. as the company continues to strengthen its presence beyond Ohio and deepen connections with craft beer enthusiasts throughout neighboring Pennsylvania where consumer demand continues to grow.
The Great Lakes Experience Bar will feature a lineup of Great Lakes favorites like flagship Dortmunder Gold Lager and rotating seasonal offerings including the popular Christmas Ale alongside a food menu inspired by the brewery’s historic Cleveland brewpub, while tailored to Pittsburgh’s travelers. Designed to create an authentic Great Lakes experience for travelers, the space will celebrate the culture, craftsmanship, and community that have defined the independent craft brewery since its founding in 1988.
Since expanding into Pennsylvania in 1999, Great Lakes has remained committed to growing their presence through meaningful partnerships and community engagement. “Earlier this year through our collaboration with Pittsburgh-based Sarris Candies, a beloved institution, we released a Limited-Edition Chocolate Ale,” said Vicki Campana, Director of Marketing for Great Lakes Brewing Co. “We brought together two family-owned regional brands rooted in craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation and that reflects our long-term vision for growth in PA. We are dedicated to creating authentic experiences that celebrate the communities we serve. As we open our new Great Lakes Experience bar at PIT Airport, we are proud to deepen our connection to the region and continue building relationships that support our consumers and brand.”
“We’re thrilled to continue growing our partnership with Great Lakes Brewing Co. and bring this exciting new concept to Pittsburgh International Airport,” said Seth Merin, Vice President of Operations for Air Ventures. “Travelers are increasingly looking for authentic, regional dining experiences, and the Great Lakes Experience Bar will provide exactly that—a welcoming destination showcasing great food, exceptional beer, and the spirit of the Great Lakes region. We believe this will quickly become a favorite stop for passengers traveling through Pittsburgh.”
For Great Lakes Brewing Co., the project represents a strategic expansion while building upon the success of the brewery’s airport hospitality presence.
“Pennsylvania has long been an important market for Great Lakes Brewing Co., and we’re excited to further invest in the region with the introduction of the Great Lakes Experience Bar at Pittsburgh International Airport,” said Chris Brown, CEO of Great Lakes Brewing Co. “This new location allows us to share our brand with millions of travelers each year while introducing new audiences to the quality, innovation, and hospitality that have been at the heart of Great Lakes for nearly four decades. We’re honored to become part of the airport’s continued evolution. Working with Seth and the Air Ventures team has been a pleasure and we are thrilled to continue our partnership and support their growth.”
The opening also highlights Great Lakes’ commitment to creating memorable brand experiences beyond traditional retail and on-premise channels.
“The addition of Great Lakes Brewing brings yet another quality option for travelers to our food and beverage portfolio. This aligns with our strategy of offering a mix of local, regional, national and international brands to meet the diverse needs of passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport and the tri-state region our airport serves,” said Bryan Dietz, Senior Vice President, Air Service & Commercial Development. “We’re pleased to partner with such a popular brand like Great Lakes and continue the growth of local operator Air Ventures.”
Additional details, including menu offerings, design renderings, grand opening events, and exclusive airport-only features, will be announced closer to opening.
