Bait House reels in new kitchen

SANDUSKY — The prospects of acquiring a grant lured Bait House Brewery management to apply for some assistance in building a long-desired kitchen. Earlier this month, the Meigs Street establishment in Sandusky debuted its new food-prep area, consisting of a flattop grill, two fryers and three ovens, two specifically for pizzas. Bait House — a locally owned brewery, offering craft beers and cocktails from well-known brands — obtained a $10,000 grant from Sandusky's government to help offset project expenses. "The city has been extremely supportive of us," said Michael McGookey, the establishment's head brewer and co-owner. He runs the place with his parents, Dan and Beverly. "We are doing our own little thing, on this side of town, and the city can see our dream." Jonathan Holody, the city's community development director, worked with the family on the deal. Money for this specific grant came from Sandusky's economic development fund. "City officials have honored the commitment that was made during the Issue 8 campaign (a dual tax increase voters approved in 2014) to reinvest a portion of the new tax dollars into the local economy and local businesses," Holody said. "In the case of Bait House, customers can now enjoy great food in addition to local craft beers." Bait House's new food menu consists of many mouthwatering, fresh-food options, highlighted by: • The Spicy Sandusky, or Bait House's take on a Nashville hot chicken sandwich; Packed between a brioche bun, a hand-breaded, all-natural, plump chicken breast rests below a layer of pickles, special sauces and other secret ingredients. • The Pub Burger; Covered also by a brioche bun, a one-third pound patty is smothered with the brewery's special Bicentennial Beer cheese blend, applewood bacon and crispy pork rinds. • Various oven-fired pizzas; Types range from wild mushroom to buffalo chicken with even a vegetarian style offered. Bait House's co-head chefs, Kaitlin Payne and Jason Sturdivant, created the menu. "Our beer is the draw, but our new food is what will make people stay," McGookey said. Making sense of the dollars and cents Bait House Brewery's new kitchen totaled $60,000, broken down with: • $10,000 coming from a city grant • $50,000 coming from the business Source: Sandusky community development office