Chesterland, Ohio—a community in Geauga County, east of Cleveland—has a new craft brewery. Purpose Brew Works opened at 8737 Mayfield Road in fall 2025, the culmination of a build-out that owners Terry Nagy and Scott Hemrock had been working toward for months. The two met at a local homebrew club and decided to turn their passion into a brick-and-mortar operation.
Here's what we know about the new brewery.
The Build-Out
Purpose Brew Works was originally targeting a late September 2025 opening. As of early September, the team was in the final stretch: Scott had begun brewing on the five-barrel system, with a Märzen in the fermenter, while the taproom and kitchen were being completed. The brewery was awaiting final permit approvals for plumbing and wiring, which pushed the opening target to October. By fall, the doors were open.
The space was designed with community in mind. A fireplace anchors the indoor seating area, and a large outdoor deck extends the taproom for warmer months. Spacious parking and transparent design elements—so customers can see the brewing equipment—round out the experience. The bar incorporates reclaimed wood, giving the room a warm, craft-focused feel.
The Brewery
Purpose Brew Works operates on a five-barrel system, a scale that suits a neighborhood taproom with room to grow. The brewery's mission is rooted in European brewing heritage: crafting high-quality, distinctive beers and classic dishes that bring the community together. Märzen was among the first beers in the tanks—a fitting choice for a fall opening.
The taproom includes a kitchen, so visitors can pair beer with food rather than relying on food trucks or BYOF. That's a deliberate choice for a suburban location like Chesterland, where a full-service experience can draw regulars from the surrounding area.
Hours and Location
Purpose Brew Works is open Wednesday through Friday 3–10 p.m., Saturday noon–10 p.m., and Sunday noon–5 p.m. The brewery is closed Monday and Tuesday. The address is 8737 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026. Contact: (440) 688-4066 or tnagy@purposebrewworks.com.
The brewery is a member of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and maintains a presence at purposebrewworks.com.
New Openings in a Contracting Market
The craft beer industry has seen plenty of closures in recent years—taprooms shuttering, brands pivoting to distribution-only, and consolidation across the board. But new openings still happen. Purpose Brew Works is a reminder that the right combination—a clear concept, a committed ownership team, and a community-oriented location—can still support a small brewery. Chesterland and Geauga County may not have the density of Cleveland's brewery districts, but they offer something different: a neighborhood taproom where regulars can become regulars.
For Terry and Scott, the journey from homebrew club to taproom is a familiar one. Plenty of breweries started that way. The challenge now is the same as it's always been: make great beer, create a welcoming space, and build a local following. Purpose Brew Works is off to a start.
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