Most of Ohio's breweries bounced back in 2021 after pandemic-related shutdowns crippled the industry.

Driving the news: Of the 10 largest breweries in the state, eight increased production in 2021 compared to 2020, according to an exclusive Axios analysis of data from the Brewers Association, the industry's trade group.

• That includes local BrewDog (15% growth) and Columbus Brewing Co. (6%).
• Columbus-based Land-Grant, which just missed the top 10, grew production by a whopping 46%.

Yes, and: Most breweries returned to or exceeded their pre-pandemic sales volumes, too.

• Seven of the top 10 surpassed their 2019 numbers in 2021, with Cincinnati-based Rhinegeist, MadTree and Christian Moerlein lagging by just a bit.

Of note: March First, also in Cincinnati, saw explosive growth, likely spurred by adding another area brewery to its portfolio.

The big picture: The national craft beer industry grew 8% last year, while the overall beer market moved up 1%.

What's next: The association's Bart Watson, who compiled the data, tells Axios that 2022 is producing mixed results, with growth projected near 4-5%.

• Inflation on the cost of raw goods, particularly grain, is hurting the industry. So is competition from other alcohol products, such as canned cocktails and seltzers.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I was bow-wowed by my first visit to BrewDog's U.S. headquarters in Canal Winchester, an all-inclusive getaway for dog-loving beer connoisseurs. Their lavish pooch-friendly hotel offers shower beers and in-room taps.

• I stopped for dinner and enjoyed the food just as much as their chart-topping brews.

When Ohioans eat out — and we are more often these days — we're among the most generous in the country.

📈 Driving the news: Ohio's tipping average was 20.7% in Q2 this year, ranking us third in the country, according to Toast.

Why it matters: Ohio's tipped minimum wage is only $4.65 an hour, making tips crucial for servers.

Of note: California is 50th, but the state requires servers to make the state minimum and has no tipped minimum wage.

• No. 2 West Virginia has a state tipped minimum wage of $2.62 an hour.

Editor's note: This story was corrected to note West Virginia is the second-highest tipping state in the country, not the first. Indiana is the first.

💸 Honda is asking its Marysville factory employees to each repay hundreds of dollars in overpaid bonuses. (WCMH-TV)

🏘️ City officials laid out plans for the upcoming $200 million affordable housing bond issue meant to help Columbus residents earning below $50,000 annually. (WBNS-TV)

🚫 The state board of education will consider a resolution today that opposes federal protections for LGBTQ+ students and declares a person's sex to be "an unchangeable fact." (Columbus Dispatch)

🌧️ Columbus will install hundreds of sump pumps in the Hilltop and Clintonville neighborhoods suffering from excess stormwater. (WOSU)

🐻 Explore the unusual history of a Big Bear grocery store on Lane Avenue that featured a real-life bear caged outside the main entrance. (614 Magazine)

• "That gives a whole new meaning to the term 'bear market,'" quips Jeremy Pelzer, political reporter for Cleveland.com.

We're back with another installment of Best Day Ever, our feature highlighting how movers and shakers spend their time in Central Ohio.

• As director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Bernita Reese works to keep hundreds of city parks safe while offering unique programming like last month's "Screwball" tournament.

We asked the director to share her local favorites:

Breakfast: Katalina's in Clintonville. I love their pancake balls with sweet and spicy bacon.

Morning activity: I usually try to stop by a parks department event or visit one of our 28 community centers.

• If I'm not working, I will check in with my family back home in Atlanta.

Lunch: The Olde Towne Tavern for baked wings (extra crispy!) and buffalo sauce on the side.

Afternoon activity: I live near the Scioto Mile, so I take advantage of this beautiful park.

• If you haven't tried biking or walking along the path with great views of the river and downtown, definitely check it out.

Dinner: B & K Smoke House for some delicious rib tips, macaroni and cheese and green beans.

• If I'm interested in something sweet, I'll stop by Jeni's afterward for some ice cream. My favorite flavor is the brown butter almond brittle.

Evening activity: I love sitting on my terrace, relaxing and enjoying the skyline while listening to R&B on Magic 95.5 FM.

📬 Tell us: Which interesting local power player should we feature next? Hit reply.

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