Hofbrauhaus opens Tuesday – SLIDESHOW

Saying the Hofbrauhaus is much-anticipated isn't hyperbole.

The restaurant and beer hall is set to open next Tuesday, Oct. 28 and though its owners said they are hoping for a subdued first few weeks of business before a more formal grand opening event in November, they're probably not going to get that wish.

Spokesman Matt Plapp shared an anecdote at a Tuesday tour of the restaurant and brewery for media and local officials. The restaurant at 800 Goodale Blvd. has its Stein Master Club. It's their version of a loyalty program, but instead of a card for your wallet or keychain, you get a stein that stays locked up at the restaurant, waiting for your every visit (it comes with discounts on drinks, food and merchandise, too).

Plapp said that when Pittsburgh opened, it took two years to grow to 150 members. Columbus sold out in two hours.

"We knew it was going to be popular," he said. "We didn't expect it to be that popular."

View the slideshow for a look of what to expect.

The behemoth of a restaurant is 18,000 square feet with seating for literally hundreds inside alone. It is owned by Cincinnati-based Nick Ellison and Eric Haas and franchised from the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich.

The draw isn't just the beer. The menu is dominated with German specialities like assorted sausages and schnitzels. This menu will give you a sense of what to expect though it is not exactly what will be in Columbus.

Chef Vincent Quinzio said between 10 percent and 15 percent of the Columbus menu will be new items like lager-breaded onion rings and some new entrees. The German items are the best sellers, but there is a burger, salads and other choices for diners who may not want potatoes or sauerkraut. The sausages are made by Wassler Meats in Cincinnati.

Dan Eaton covers retailing and restaurants for Columbus Business First.