How A “Chill” Philosophy Created America’s BIGGEST Award-Winning Brewery in Canton OH

While most taprooms are satisfied with a standard pint, this Ohio powerhouse just secured five national medals and the most prestigious title in the industry. 🍺🏆

Green pizza at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Name
Fat Head's Brewery
Address
📍 3885 Everhard Rd NW, Canton, OH 44709
Hours
🕔 Mon: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tue-Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

While most elite breweries are defined by rigid corporate branding, founders Glenn Benigni and Pete Kurzweg built a national powerhouse on the simple, laid-back mantra of “Chill out man, have a beer.”

This refusal to take themselves too seriously—while taking the craft incredibly seriously—is the exact “secret sauce” that propelled their Everhard Road taproom to win the 2025 GABF National Brewery of the Year title.

By blending a high-energy “cathedral of hops” with the unpretentious heart of Stark County, they’ve proven that a relaxed attitude can produce the most decorated trophy case in the entire country. 🍺🏆

Outside Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH
Roth

How This Brewery Conquered the National Stage

The legacy of this mom and pop success story reached a new peak when they were officially named the 2025 Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. 🥇

This wasn’t just a fluke, as the team brought home five individual medals for styles ranging from traditional Hefeweizens to heavy-hitting IPAs.

The kitchen matches this technical excellence by refusing to use heat lamps and cooking every single order from scratch. 🏆

Chicken Wings at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Mandy

What really makes this Canton taproom a NewsBreak sensation is the sheer scale of their culinary ambition.

They are the originators of the “Headwich,” a massive sandwich roughly the size of a human head that has become a regional legend. 📸

In a city known for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, this kitchen serves as the perfect heavy-hitting teammate for a hungry local crowd. 🌟

Ed Reed Maryland Crab Cake headwich at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Leslie

Beyond the award-winning liquids, the vibe is anchored by their famous “Chill out man, have a beer” philosophy. 🤙

The industrial-chic space is designed for high-volume energy, yet it maintains the welcoming feel of a neighborhood basement hangout.

Whether you are there for a post-game pint or a family dinner, you are tasting the work of the most decorated brewery in Ohio. 🏠💓

 

The Lineup & Must-Try Bites

  • The “Southside Slopes” Headwich is an absolute unit. 🥪 It features sliced kielbasa topped with sautéed onions, American cheese, and a massive pile of pierogies tucked inside the bun.

  • Head Hunter IPA is a verifiable hop masterpiece. 🏹 This brew has won multiple gold medals globally and is widely considered one of the most balanced American IPAs ever crafted.

Bacon cheeseburger and Parmesan fries at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Gene
  • Smoked Whole Wings are prepared for hours over real hickory. 🍗 These are never frozen and are served with house-made sauces like “Beasty BBQ” for a serious flavor punch.

  • Goggle Fogger Hefeweizen is a multi-gold winner with a cloudy, authentic appearance. 🥨 It offers rich notes of clove and banana that transport your palate directly to a traditional German beer hall.

Green pizza at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Mandy
  • The “Fatty Melt” Burger is an 8-ounce brisket and short rib blend. 🍔 Grilled on rye with melted cheddar and caramelized onions, it is a decadent tribute to the classic American patty melt.

  • Bumble Berry Ale is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. 🫐 Brewed with fresh honey and blueberries, it offers a light sweetness that has made it a staple in refrigerators across the state.

Chip nachos at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Sarah

Atmosphere

The interior is vast, clean, and perfectly situated for fans visiting the nearby Hall of Fame. ☀️

Natural light floods the bar area, creating a bright backdrop for the rotating list of 30+ craft taps.

It’s the essential destination for a Canton weekend crawl or a celebratory meal after a long week. 🏈🥤

at Fat Head's Brewery located in Canton, OH.
Ashly

The Final Verdict on This Canton Powerhouse

If you want to understand why Ohio is currently dominating the national craft beer conversation, you must visit Fat Head’s Brewery. They prove that when you combine a world-class brewmaster with “noggin-sized” sandwiches, you create a national champion. 🥇

📍 3885 Everhard Rd NW, Canton, OH 44709

📞 (330) 244-8601

🕔 Mon: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tue-Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM