Lakewood Brewing Company recently celebrated the opening of its brand-new kitchen as well as renovated indoor and outdoor event spaces. Mayor Scott LeMay, District 5 Council Member Margaret Lucht were on-hand for the ribbon cutting and celebration. The 
independent, family-owned craft brewery also took advantage of the gathering to celebrate a milestone birthday.
Owners Wim Bens and Brenda Busch opened the brewery 10 years ago. Bens, who was born in Belgium, developed a taste for good beer from a young age. That later led to his interest in home brewing, which he did for many years, before opening LBC.
“I got more serious about it and eventually quit my career in advertising,” Bens said. “Then I got my brewer’s education and started looking for a place to open Lakewood Brewing Company.”
LBC has earned national recognition in numerous beer competitions. Some of those competitions include the U.S. Beer Tasting Championship, U.S. Open Beer Championship and San Diego, Denver and Los Angeles International Beer Competitions. In addition, its Temptress Imperial Milk Stout has become the best-selling stout craft beer in Texas.
Bens said that it’s nice being recognized but awards don’t necessarily sell beer.
“People drink what they like. It might be award-winning, or it might not be,” he said “But for us as students of our craft, we always like the recognition of our peers so that’s definitely a feather in your cap.”
His hope is that the additions and renovations at LBC will attract more families. The new kitchen, which offers appetizers, salads, flat bread pizza, sandwiches and sweets, is an added treat for those who are there enjoying their favorite beer.
“We really want to make it a place where families feel comfortable coming to hang out for an afternoon,” he said. “And there’s lots of family friendly food on the menu.”
The outdoor beer garden now doubles as a play area and there’s even a small, fenced area where children up to 7-years-old can play. It is their own space and includes a playhouse.
Games in the beer garden area include foosball, cornhole, dart boards, giant Jenga and more. In addition, new plants have been added along with misting fans, shade sails and a giant mural. There are also firepits surrounded by comfortable seating along with a giant mural that provides great photo opportunities.
Another addition is called the “Lakewood Loft” for private events. It provides a great view of the newly renovated taproom.
With the renovated beer garden, Lakewood Loft and taproom, LBC offers event space for gatherings from 25-700 people. The spaces are great for all kinds of events – birthday parties, retirement parties, family get-togethers, corporate parties, club meetings and more. For more 
information on event spaces, email the taproom and events manager, Tommie at tommie.h@lakewoodbrewing.com.
Bens said that he’s excited to welcome more and more of the community and let people know about Garland’s best kept secret.
Lakewood Brewing Company – 2302 Executive Drive in Garland.
Visit lakewoodbrewing.com for the “find our beer” tool.
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday – 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.