LARRY BELL

KALAMAZOO, MI — The longtime home of Kalamazoo’s Food Dance restaurant, which closed permanently last month, is under contract to be purchased by the Larry J. Bell Library Foundation. Bell said if things go according to plan, his foundation will close on the property this summer. “We were intending to build a new building and then this came up,” Bell said. “We haven’t really gotten into how we will start to alter the building for our purposes yet, but it will be the home for the Larry J.

“It’s Michigan.”Smith, 58, was attending her third Oberon Day at Bell’s Eccentric Café with three friends Monday, March 21. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comSmith and DeVoy were among the 500-plus people that had already arrived at Bell’s within the first hour of Monday’s celebration to enjoy traditional Oberon, Cherry Oberon, Pineapple Habanero Oberon and Chipotle Lime Oberon. Chuck Coutteau, 27, of Ann Arbor drinks a pint of Oberon during Oberon Day at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, March 21, 2022. As I always say, ‘Life is too short to drink (bad) beer.’”33 Oberon Day at Bell's Brewery 2022Also on MLive:Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaims March 21 officially ‘Oberon Day’ in MichiganYour guide to Oberon Day 2022, the unofficial start of spring in KalamazooLights, camera, menus: New TV series shooting at Saline restaurant

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Spring has unofficially arrived in Kalamazoo, as beer enthusiasts flock to Bell’s Eccentric Café and the 2022 release of the brewery’s popular Oberon Ale begins to flow. Gretchen Whitmer proclaims March 21 officially ‘Oberon Day’ in MichiganDozens gathered near downtown Kalamazoo as Bell’s Eccentric Café opened their doors at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, to celebrate Oberon Day. People are encouraged to use the Bell’s beer finder to find where Oberon is currently on shelves or on tap. This year marks the first Oberon Day since Bell sold the company last fall. Gretchen Whitmer proclaims March 21 officially ‘Oberon Day’ in MichiganThe top pizza city in the entire country is in Michigan says new ranking

KALAMAZOO, MI — Less than three months since the sale of Bell’s Brewery to Australian-based beverage company Lion closed, and at least two things remain the same. The brewery, which has aligned forces with Fort Collins, Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Co. as a result of the sale, continues to evolve at a rapid pace. “We’ve spent a lot of time together as a combined leadership team already,” Yunker said, referencing the leadership team headed up by New Belgium CEO Steve Fechheimer. Since the sale, Bell’s has solidified its philanthropic program, taking a page out of New Belgium’s playbook and putting $1 per barrel sold back into the greater community. But patrons of the Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo can usually find an Upper Hand brew on a reserved guest tap.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A Kalamazoo tradition, Bells’ Oberon Day will once again serve as an unofficial celebration of spring’s arrival when the annual beer release takes place Monday, March 21. Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker told MLive that attendees can also expect a surprise announcement at noon, when she makes this year’s official Oberon Day toast. This year marks the first Oberon Day since Bell sold the company last fall. Oberon Day, like Eccentric Day, are traditions near and dear to the core of the company’s values, Yunker said. “To think about Oberon Day, or an Eccentric Day — those are community holidays,” she said.

COMSTOCK, MI — Another Bell’s beer is on its way across the country, expanding its footprint to 10 states, just over one year after its initial launch. Following the closure of the Bell’s sale on Dec. 31, the two American craft beer giants are now being overseen by the same leadership team, which is focused on Lion’s craft portfolio. “We have seen a lot of success with this beer,” said Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker. It really is a nice beer.”For help locating this and other Bell’s beers, use the Bell’s Beer Finder. Twelve packs of No, Yeah are available now at the Bell’s General Store in Kalamazoo.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Larry Bell, retired founder of Bell’s Brewery, has donated $1 million to Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo. His donation will help fund the construction of a new club facility near downtown Kalamazoo, according to a press release from Boys and Girls Clubs. “Boys and Girls Clubs has proved to me they can deliver programs that work,” Bell said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” said retired Boys & Girls Club CEO Bob Ezelle. The Boys and Girls Clubs is an organization “near and dear to my heart,” he said.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Larry Bell may have stepped into retirement, but he is yet to step out of the spotlight. On Monday, the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter announced that Bell was being named as its environmentalist of the year for 2021 for his decade-long work fighting against the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline. In the years that followed, the brewery founder helped found the Great Lakes Business Network and spearheaded a campaign among Michigan businesses to shut down Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. That work included seeing Bell testify before the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on the ramifications of a possible oil spill and what it would mean to Michigan business. “When the spill happened 30 miles away from us, the oil came down the Kalamazoo River and started impacting us,” Bell said.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Larry Bell arrived to his final Eccentric Day at the brewery he built wearing a Hawaiian shirt, Tommy Bahamas, sandals with socks and carrying a golf club. His name tag read “Tiger.”When asked if there was any symbolism behind the outfit, the soon-to-be-retired Bell, who sold his first craft beer in 1985, quipped: “In some alternative universe, this could be me, but not exactly.”

KALAMAZOO, MI — An annual gathering where people are encouraged to let their alter ego shine and “come as you aren’t,” Bell’s Eccentric Day returns this Friday after a year away due to COVID restrictions. Attendees must also show proof of vaccination via the CLEAR Health app or negative test results received within 72 hours to attend. Other Eccentric Day classics are also returning, such as charcuterie, artisan cheeses, chocolate covered bacon, Sarkozy pastries, various stews and soups, and deviled eggs. Those not vaccinated who have received a negative test result within 72 hours of entry will also be allowed entry after showing the test results at the door. For more information on Eccentric Day, click here.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Five years before he incorporated Bell’s and opened a small brewing supply company, Larry Bell was a baker at Sarkozy’s Bakery in Kalamazoo, earning a whopping $3.35 an hour. In fact, Bell was the first full-time employee hired by Judy Sarkozy and her late husband, Ken Sarkozy, when they opened the bakery in 1978.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A monumental day in the history of Bell’s Brewery, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, Larry Bell announced his retirement and the sale of his brewery, which he founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo. Purchasing the brewery is Lion, an Australian-based beverage company that purchased Fort Collins, Colorado-based, New Belgium Brewing Co. in 2019. The two American craft beer giants will unite under the same leadership team, once the sale goes final in the coming months.

Bell’s Brewery, one of the biggest craft beer makers in the Midwest and based in Kalamazoo, has been acquired by New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Bell’s Brewery is set to become the second major American craft brewing company to be acquired by Lion, an Australian-based beverage company with a growing international portfolio. Related: Bell’s Brewery, Michigan craft beer pioneer, turns 30“I don’t know that there’s been too many of these kinds of sales in the industry,” said Bell, who founded the brewery in Kalamazoo in 1985. Bell started Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1985. “Lion is not buying this company to sell less beer,” Bell said. Larry Bell owner of Bell's Brewery speaks with patrons during the13th annual Bell's Eccentric Day in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.

Michigan-based Bell's Brewery is being sold to an Australian company as owner Larry Bell gets ready to retire. According to The Detroit News, Bell will...

COMSTOCK, MI — Bell’s Brewery is asking chicken wing lovers everywhere to raise a wing to help raise awareness for hunger issues faced by seniors across the country and to help combat food insecurities. Coinciding with National Chicken Wing Day on Thursday, July 29, bars and restaurants across the country will serve up their wings and Bell’s beer to help drive awareness and donations for Meals on Wheels America. A local “Raise a Wing” event is planned for 3-9 p.m. on July 29 at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. “Support from Bell’s and its accounts comes at a critical time,” said Kristine Templin, chief development officer at Meals on Wheels America, in a prepared statement. Also on MLive:Bell’s Eccentric Café announces 2021 concert schedule after year without live musicBell’s Brewery gets tropical with latest Oberon special releaseNew Bell’s Brewery fermenters spotted passing under Mackinac Bridge on freighter journey

Michigan craft brewers have plenty of options on tap this summer, from farmhouse-style ales to fruity brews and seasonal sours. Loaded Dice Brewery Una Vez! There are lots of things going on at Loaded Dice this summer, according to owner Jef Smith, including upgrades to the outdoor patio. First released exclusively at the Bell’s store in Kalamazoo, this summer the beer can be found across the state in distribution. It’s the “ultimate guilt-free, sessionable summer beer,” said Chris Heikkuri, director of sales for Austin Brothers Beer Company.

Those are the ingredients brewed up in Bell’s latest Oberon variation, Tropical Oberon, released this week in bottles. Tropical Oberon is just the second bottled Oberon variant, following the Mango Oberon variant that was bottled in 2020. Like the mango-flavored Oberon, Tropical Oberon was originally released as part of the small-batch Bell’s General Store Exclusive Series. Each were initially released exclusively at the Bell’s General Store in downtown Kalamazoo, the release states. “Both are special treats for this year’s Oberon season,” said Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery.

click to enlarge Justin Billau, Flickr Creative CommonsThe Line 5 pipelines run as deep as 270 feet below the surface of the Straits of Mackinac. "It covered the Kalamazoo, it upended residences, it upended businesses, and today remains the largest inland oil spill in the history of the United States," Bell recounted. "Enbridge had stunning apathy towards the impact that the spill caused to area businesses. "Mawby noted far more oil is being transported through the Great Lakes region than can be refined in the area, and he argued Line 5 is a shortcut to move oil that primarily benefits Canada. "This leaves Michigan holding the bag, our state continues to bear the risk and responsibility of a potential spill while reaping only marginal benefits," Mawby contended.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Cold Hearted is what Bell’s Brewery is calling “a beer for your ex’s parents.”And it’s being released just in time for Valentine’s Day. Following up on last year’s popular Black Hearted IPA, it was announced today Bell’s Brewery is releasing an IPL beer called Cold Hearted, and it’s only available in the Kalamazoo General Store beginning Wednesday. “It’s recognizing there are those still feeling the effects of a relationship gone sour for whatever reason,” said Larry Bell, founder and president of Bell’s Brewery, Inc. “No matter what you did you were never going to be good enough for ‘our little girl’ or ‘darling son.’”The name “Cold Hearted” just stuck, he said. Cold Hearted has an ABV of 7%.

Let Bell’s Brewery just sneak past ya as the Michigan brewer stacks a new cold one on the shelves. The Comstock-based brewer politely announced its latest new year-round release, No, Yeah, poking fun at Midwestern slang. Bell’s describes the new beer as an easy-drinking ale that’s “bright and fun inside and out.” No, Yeah is a Golden Ale with an ABV of 4.5%, according to a press release. The new release “will resonate with fans of lagers and those just looking for a really nice beer,” according to the release. No, Yeah will be available to purchase at the Bell’s General Store and Eccentric Cafe in downtown Kalamazoo on Jan. 18.

You’re for sure going to have to try Bell’s new beer with a polite Midwestern name: “No, Yeah.”The West Michigan-based brewery announced a new Golden Ale, a year-round release that will begin shipping next week in Michigan and in surrounding Midwest states. Bell’s says the beer is a lighter craft beer with a slightly sweet flavor profile. This beer will appeal to those who are looking for another alternative to higher ABV beers, something that is crisp and refreshing and not too hoppy.”The “No, Yeah” name is an ode to some polite Midwestern slang. Phrases like “ope”, " ‘scuse me” and “let me sneak past ya” are all part of the beer’s packaging and marketing campaign. No, Yeah will be available to purchase at the Bell’s General Store and Eccentric Cafe in downtown Kalamazoo on Jan. 18.

But as two shutdown orders took their toll on Michigan businesses, especially breweries, the lack of cans really hit hard at the end of the year, area brewery owners say. As on-premise draft and keg sales plummeted, and more people purchased beer from grocery stores and other retail outlets, breweries scrambled to find cans. We don’t know.”What the scarcity of cans means to customers is that beers like Bell’s popular seasonal Double IPA beer Hopslam will be released exclusively in bottles for the first time in years. “If consumers would consider switching some of their can purchases to bottles it would help every brewer in the country, and especially the small guys that don’t do bottles,” he said. California-based Stone Brewery Co., for example, has decided to package all of its seasonal beers in bottles this year, he said.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is, yet again, the best beer in America. Bell’s Brewery brought home top honors for the fourth year in a row in the 2020 Best Beers in American survey, conducted by Zymurgy magazine, a publication of the American Homebrewers Association, the brewery said in a press release. “Being honored with this again, is beyond words," said Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s. The survey asks members to choose their favorite commercial beers available for purchase in the U.S.Two Hearted is joined in the list’s top 10 beers by Bell’s Hopslam Ale, which is ranked at No. Also on MLive:Bell’s founder celebrates kidney cancer recovery with $30K in donationsBell’s Brewery expands beer distribution to 42nd state: OklahomaCider, beer and doughnuts make Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm the perfect fall destination

It became an 11-mile victory lap for Bell after recovering from kidney cancer this summer. He also distributed $30,000 in donations, one-third of the total for a new cancer center in Kalamazoo. It makes you think about things and things you want to do.”Bell announced he made three $10,000 donations to show his gratitude. “Bronson’s new cancer pavilion will lead the way in cancer care in our community in part through community support and philanthropy.”In an interview with MLive, Bell said his kidney cancer diagnosis happened quickly. As a cancer survivor, Bell said he was happy to be an advocate for the work the National Kidney Foundation was doing.

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. Military members helped craft a new Bells Brewery beer honoring servicemembers and veterans. A team of more than 20 of the Michigan brewerys employees who are currently serving, have served or are military family members teamed up to make Goin Dark. Celebrating diversity has always been core to our company, said Larry Bell, the founder and president of Bells Brewery. It can also be purchased in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles at the Bells General Store, which is located adjacent to the cafe. The brewery said the beer is available for sale so it can be enjoyed by military members when they return from deployments.

COMSTOCK, Mich. - Beers from two Michigan breweries won multiple medals at the Colorado State Fair craft beer competition this week. Comstock-based Bell's Brewery's Bell's Porter won gold in the American Porter category and Kalamazoo Stout won silver in the Dark British Beer category. Escanaba-based Upper Hand Brewery, a division of Bell's, won gold in the Historical Beer category for Yellow Hex, bronze in the British Bitter and Pale Commonwealth Beer category for Laughing Fish and bronze in the American Porter and Stout category for SISU Stout. "Beers like Porter and Kalamazoo Stout were some of our original brews and, along with Amber Ale, helped build the brewery," said Larry Bell, Bell's president and founder. "It's incredible to see these darker, classic beers continue earning awards today."