SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council Tuesday night approved the North Country Brewing Co.'s expansion plans.

Owner Bob McCafferty said the work cannot start soon enough.

“Our needs for expansion are immediate,” he said.

It was approved pending public water and sewage approval, a highway occupancy permit and a developer's agreement. It also needs to be approved by the state Liquor Control Board and other agencies.

The plan calls for the construction of a 60 feet by 60 feet building for more brewing capacity and retail space. The expansion also will create 10 more jobs and allow for temporary parking.

Originally, McCafferty planned to buy a building in Mercer to expand, but the LCB said his liquor license would not allow him to brew beer in one location and move it to another.

McCafferty bought three lots, which have buildings, adjacent to his existing building for the expansion.

In July, the borough planning commission approved the plans.

McCafferty has plans to create additional seating, a second kitchen and a banquet hall. However, all that will come later as he said the current project solves the most pressing issues.

McCafferty wants to tear down the three buildings by this fall.

“The growing pains we have are probably the best pains we can feel,” he said.

Council members applauded McCafferty's efforts.

Councilman Itzi Meztli said the restaurant brings a lot of attention to the area.

“In a way, you're sort of our chamber of commerce,” Meztli said.

Councilman Bob Bowser agreed: “You are a draw to the whole region.”

Council Vice President Christy Tichy said she likes the idea of a banquet hall.

“That's something that Slippery Rock needs, a large hall,” Tichy said.

McCafferty bought the original 11,000 square foot building in 1998 and opened the business in 2005.