Beer City Dog Biscuits Empowers Adults with Disabilities

Nonprofit bakery partners with Founders Brewing to create unique dog treats while providing meaningful employment.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Beer City Dog Biscuits, a nonprofit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provides employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bakery partners with Founders Brewing Company to create a variety of dog biscuit flavors, including peanut butter, blueberry, cherry coconut, and pumpkin. As a charity partner for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run, Beer City Dog Biscuits is proud to serve its customer base of dog lovers while also supporting its growing roster of employees.

Why it matters

Beer City Dog Biscuits' mission to empower adults with disabilities through meaningful employment highlights the importance of inclusive job opportunities and community support. In a city like Grand Rapids, which has a thriving craft beer scene, the partnership with Founders Brewing adds a unique twist to the nonprofit's dog treat offerings.

The details

Beer City Dog Biscuits works with about 300 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities each week, providing them with jobs in the bakery. The nonprofit offers four different dog biscuit flavors, which are made with some ingredients sourced through the partnership with Founders Brewing Company. On busy days, the bakery can produce up to 10,000 biscuits.

  • Beer City Dog Biscuits was founded prior to the 49th annual Amway River Bank Run, which is scheduled for May 9, 2026.
  • The nonprofit is a charity partner for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run.

The players

Beer City Dog Biscuits

A nonprofit bakery in Grand Rapids, Michigan that provides employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founders Brewing Company

A craft brewery in Grand Rapids that partners with Beer City Dog Biscuits to provide some ingredients for the nonprofit's unique dog biscuit flavors.

Jennifer Romain

The executive director of Beer City Dog Biscuits.

Melanie Gesink

The brew baker at Beer City Dog Biscuits.

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What they’re saying

“We work with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have about 300 individuals … that come through our doors every week.”

— Jennifer Romain, Executive Director, Beer City Dog Biscuits (woodtv.com)

“When we are hopping busy, we make at least 10,000 biscuits during the day.”

— Melanie Gesink, Brew Baker, Beer City Dog Biscuits (woodtv.com)

What’s next

The 49th annual Amway River Bank Run is scheduled for May 9, 2026, where Beer City Dog Biscuits will be one of the charity partners that runners can support.

The takeaway

Beer City Dog Biscuits' mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities, combined with its unique partnership with a local craft brewery, demonstrates how nonprofits can create innovative products and services that empower their communities.