Jan. 21, 2025

Big changes are coming to Session Ale Works, which will close at the end of the week for renovation and rebranding.

The final day as Session Ale Works will be Saturday, with a farewell party at the restaurant and craft beer bar at 323 S. Whitewood Circle, which is off 12th Street and Ellis Road.

Session Ale Works opened in May 2024 and is owned by Eric Ward and Eric Schofield, who developed the broader area known as Firehouse42 around it, as well as Rick McKinney and Tim Stupka.

The transformation will highlight the restaurant’s waterfront, patio and expanded dining experiences, the company said.

The fresh look and feel will include:

• A redesigned space that makes better use of the restaurant’s waterfront and patio.
• An expanded kitchen with increased capacity and capabilities.
• Menu additions and enhanced options for special events.
• Higher-end wine selection.
• Video lottery opportunities.

The farewell party will run from 11 a.m. to midnight.

“We’re thrilled to implement a concept that brings something truly special to our community,” the Session leadership group said in a statement.

“This remodel will allow us to serve our guests in exciting new ways while building on the foundation that has made Session Ale Works a local favorite.”

The plan is to reopen in April. Employees will have the opportunity to take positions at The SandBar & Grill, which is owned by the same group. Session Ale Works gift cards can be used now or will be honored when the restaurant opens with the new brand.