The MBG Member Guide to Dog-Friendly Breweries in Massachusetts

Casual spots offering something for every taste, craft breweries strive to be welcoming places for all—and yes, that often includes your dog! Breweries across the Bay State would love to meet your pup. Since August is National Dog Month, we asked members of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild to let us know about their dog-friendly offerings. 

So get ready to sit and stay at nearly 50 destinations for dogs. Good boys and girls must remain with a human at all times, and leashes are required. While some breweries provide water bowls and treats, bringing your own is always welcome. Other rules and conditions around dog-friendly restaurants can vary by town, so make sure to ask a brewery if you have any questions. 

Now, let’s go enjoy a treat!

Special thanks to the Mass. Brew Bros., who shared additional info with the MBG. (Look out for a new dog-friendly map coming soon from Mass. Brew Bros.) MBG members, did we miss your dog-friendly offerings? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.

Northeast

Bent Water Brewing Co.

Lynn’s Bent Water Brewing is dog-friendly anytime it's open, both indoors and outdoors, with water and treats for canine visitors. Let’s go!

East Regiment Beer Company

Take a break from walking your dog around downtown Salem and stop in at East Regiment Beer Company, which has a pup-friendly patio, water available, and dog treats. Let’s go!

Modest Roots Brewing Company

Though it’s open only on Fridays and Saturdays, Modest Roots will always welcome your dog. The Tyngsborough nanobrewery is dog-friendly inside and out. Let’s go!

Navigation Brewing Co.

Bring your dog to Lowell’s Navigation Brewing, which has a dog-friendly taproom and patio. Let’s go!

Notch Brewing

Along the river in Salem, you’ll discover Notch Brewing’s dog-friendly beer garden, which has its own pup-friendly entrance from the parking lot. The outdoor area at the Charles River Speedway, home to Notch’s Brighton beer garden, is also open to dogs. Let’s go!

Oak & Iron Brewing Co.

Andover’s Oak & Iron Brewing Co. is a family-friendly place. On the shaded patio, that includes the furriest of family members (dogs). Let’s go! 

The Tap Brewing Company

In good weather, your dog might want to join you on the deck at the Tap Brewing Co. in Haverhill. Let’s go!

True North Ale Company
Friendly pets are welcome on the patio at True North Ale Company in Ipswich. Let’s go!

Metro Boston 

BearMoose Brewing Company

Dogs are welcome in the spacious taproom as well as on the patio outside BearMoose Brewing in Everett. You can even get your pup some matching merch to go. Let’s go!

Break Rock Brewing

You and your pup will enjoy the waterfront views of Marina Bay from Break Rock Brewing. The Quincy taproom and its outdoor deck offer dog-friendly seating in the shade. Let’s go!

Cambridge Brewing Company

The patio outside Cambridge Brewing Company is always covered and dog-friendly. The Kendall Square brew pub has been known to craft healthy treats your pup will love—just ask your server. Let’s go! 

Castle Island Brewing Co.

Both locations of Castle Island Brewing Co. have dog-friendly options. The Norwood headquarters welcomes dogs inside and outside, while pups can remain on the patio in South Boston. Let’s go!

Dorchester Brewing Company

You might as well call it “Dogchester Brewing” because Dorchester makes beer for dogs. Canine friends are welcome at the outdoor areas at DBCo., and there are non-alcoholic options for them on the menu. Let’s go!

Drop Zone Brewery 

Winthrop’s Drop Zone Brewery has a dog-friendly patio with water bowls available. Let’s go!

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

The Cambridge Crossing taproom by Lamplighter Brewing has outdoor areas, which are open seasonally and permit dogs. Both locations sell dog-friendly merch to bring home to your best friend, such as squeaky-toy cans and collars. Let’s go!

Long Live Roxbury

The parking-lot patio at Long Live Beerworks’ Boston outpost welcomes dogs. You’ll all find shade under umbrellas. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

Three locations of Night Shift Brewing welcome dogs outdoors: The Everett headquarters, and the Charles River-sde beer gardens on the Esplanade and in Allston’s Herter Park. Let’s go!

Southeast

Buzzards Bay Brewing

Bring along your dog to the bucolic Buzzards Bay Brewing farm in Westport. The grassy outdoor areas are dog-friendly and shaded by trees. Let’s go!

Canned Heat Craft Beer Co.

Canned Heat Craft Beer is dog-friendly inside the taproom as well as at tables overlooking the busy marina in Fall River. Let’s go!

Independent Fermentations

Spending time with family and friends is the focus at IndieFerm. The relaxing taproom is dog-friendly throughout. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Co.
The tasting room and beer garden are always dog-friendly. Grab your leash. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing

Home base for Untold Brewing, a former schoolhouse in Scituate, is always family- and dog-friendly. Pups will find shade on the patio and special merch for them. Let’s go!

Vitamin Sea Brewing

The Weymouth taproom of Vitamin Sea Brewing is dog-friendly outdoors seven days a week. Inside, dogs can join their owners on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Whenever VSB’s beer gardens are open in Hull or Cambridge, they are dog-friendly, too. Let’s go!

Cape & Islands

Aquatic Brewing

Visiting Cape Cod with your dog? Bring them along to Aquatic Brewing in Falmouth, which welcomes well-behaved pups. Let’s go!

Cape Cod Beer

This year-round Cape Cod destination is dog-friendly inside and also has a spacious, seasonal patio with outdoor seating in the sun and shade. Cape Cod Beer offers plenty of fun merch with dogs in mind, and also offers dog treats. Let’s go!

Metrowest

7th Wave Brewing

Medfield taproom and pizza kitchen 7th Wave Brewing is dog-friendly. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

At Lost Shoe in Marlborough, settle in on the shady patio with your pup for a round or two of water (them) and beer or coffee (you). Let’s go!

Mighty Squirrel

Attention, all squirrel lovers: Outdoor seating at Mighty Squirrel is dog-friendly. That goes for the Waltham brewery as well as the Watertown beer garden. Let’s go!

Central

Altruist Brewing Company

Sturbridge brewing company Altruist welcomes dogs in the taproom and in the beer garden. Let’s go! 

Bull Spit Brewing Company

The grassy “bull yard” at Bull Spit Brewing's Winchendon farm is dog-friendly whenever it’s open. Let’s go!

Dirigible Brewing Company

Let your pup lead the way to the patio at Dirigible Brewing Company. The Littleton spot is dog-friendly outdoors, with water on offer as well as a jar of dog treats. The nose will know, we’re sure. Let’s go!

Flying Dreams Brewing Co.
This Marlborough spot has pet-friendly outdoor seating open to all. Let’s go!

Milk Room Brewing Co.

Dogs are welcome at this Rutland brewery, assuming they’re good with other animals: The outdoor “beer pasture” at Milk Room Brewing Co., open seasonally, is home to a herd of bison, goats, donkeys, and cows. Let’s go!

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

There are a few rules around dogs visiting Redemption Rock (which, we imagine, brewery cat Jimmy enforces): No barking, play well with others, and stay on the concrete floors inside or on the patio. Otherwise, have fun at this pet-friendly Worcester spot. Let’s go! 

River Styx Brewing

No doggy-paddling required to visit River Styx, which is a pet-friendly place along the Nashua River in Fitchburg. Let’s go!

Seven Saws Brewing Co.

At Seven Saws, dogs are welcome indoors and outdoors year-round. Be sure to check out the merch area to snag your pup some treats or some branded wears. Let’s go!

Timberyard Brewing Co.

The outdoor area at Timberyard Brewing in East Brookfield welcomes pets with dog-friendly accommodations, including a pet waste station to keep the area clean. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery 

Wormtown’s namesake location in Worcester has a dog-friendly seasonal beer garden with treats on offer. Let’s go!

West 

Berkshire Brewing Co.

The welcome sign for dogs is always hung at Berkshire Brewing Co., where well-behaved pups are welcome indoors and outdoors, year-round. Water bowls are available, but its never a bad idea to BYOB - bowl that is. Let’s go!

Brick & Feather Brewery

The easy-going vibes at Turners Falls brewery Brick & Feather extend to dogs, which are welcome indoors and out. Active animals will also be interested in the nearby Canalside Rail Trail, a scenic, 3.7-mile recreation path along the Connecticut River. Let’s go!

Drawing Board Brewing Company

In Florence, dogs can visit Drawing Board Brewing Company in the taproom or on the patio. Let’s go!

Four Phantoms Brewing Company

Dogs are welcome anytime, anywhere at Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Let’s go!

Iron Duke Brewing

This could be you. Ludlow’s Iron Duke Brewing always welcomes dogs. Let’s go!

Leadfoot Brewing

Indoor seating, outdoor seating—it’s all dog-friendly. Leadfoot Brewing in Chicopee is open every weekend and also offers a food menu for humans. Let’s go!

Lost Towns Brewing

Count on meeting some good dogs at Lost Towns Brewing, a pup-friendly taproom and beer garden in Gilbertville. Let’s go!

Pioneer Valley Brewery

A mulched picnic area overlooking a public park awaits at Pioneer Valley Brewery. The Turners Falls taproom is also dog-friendly. Let’s go! 

The Berkshires

Antimony Brewing Co.

With it’s logo prominently featuring two wolves, and a motto stating - “a wolf is a pack animal that thrives in the company of others” it’s no surprise that Antimony Brewing Co., is dog friendly. So hit the hiking trails with your pup and bring them along to the Antimony patio afterwards for great beer and food. Let’s go!

Big Elm Brewing

Both locations of Big Elm Brewing—the brewery and beer garden in Sheffield and the taproom in Great Barrington—are dog-friendly indoors and out, with shady options, dog treats, and more. Let’s go!

Bright Ideas Brewing

Your dog can’t go to Mass MoCA, but they can totally join you at the brewery next door to the museum. Bright Ideas is dog-friendly indoors and at its outdoor seating area. Let’s go!

Hot Plate Brewing Co.

The spacious taproom at Hot Plate has cozy public-house vibes and is a dog-friendly spot in Pittsfield. Let’s go!

30+ Refreshing Beers from Massachusetts Breweries to Crush This Summer

On hot sunny days, you need a beer that’s light, thirst-quenching, and not too boozy. It doesn’t have to be a pale lager or a cream ale: Sometimes the refresher you crave is a fruity sour, a tropical hop bomb, or even an easy-drinking American porter. Massachusetts breweries have plenty of crushable beers cold and ready for you this summer. Whether you’re heading for the beach, the trails, or just doing yard work, here’s how to fill your cooler.

MBG members, did we miss your summer crusher? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.

Northeast

Anonymous Brewing

The Long Haul is a session ale perfect for any summer activities. Anonymous Brewing first made it to fundraise for the Ipswich River Watershed Association Paddle-A-Thon, a 30-plus mile paddle along the Ipswich River from Wilmington to Ipswich. The Long Haul gets its refreshing flavors from Lemondrop hops and a touch of honey malt. Find it on draft and in cans to-go at the Rowley taproom and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Bent Water Brewing Company

Chill is a clean and crisp answer to a question Bent Water is often asked: “What’s the lightest beer you have?” The brewers’ favorite at an easy-drinking 4.2%, this approachable American light lager is appreciated by anyone who wants a beer that tastes like beer. Find it on draft at the Lynn taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Lord Hobo Brewing

617 White Ale finishes crisp following bright orange and citrus flavors, balanced out by a slight bitterness. The 5%, medium-bodied unfiltered wheat beer is crafted with Bostonians in mind—for hot summer days at the ballpark or around a cozy fire on a cold New England night. Find it on draft and in cans to-go at Lord Hobo’s taprooms and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Navigation Brewing Co.

Get a taste of Summer, an all-Amarillo hopped pale wheat beer by Navigation Brewing Co. The 5.4% crushers has flavor notes of orange and lemon peel. Find it on draft at the Lowell taproom and in cans to-go. Let’s go!

True North Ale Company

Coast to Coast is an American summer IPA brewed with pilsner malt and flaked oats for a soft mouthfeel. At 5.8%, Citra, Strata, and Talus hops provide big flavors and aromas of tropical citrus, passion fruit, strawberry, and pink grapefruit. Find it on draft at the Ipswich taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go! 

Metro Boston

Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Have some adventure fuel from Aeronaut: The Somerville-based brewing company has plenty of crushers on deck for summer. Robot Crush is an award-winning American pilsner. Hopped with Citra, the aromatic offering clocks 5.1% with flavors of biscuit and honey balanced with hints of citrus. Hop Hop & Away is a year-round session hazy cold-steeped with Citra and Mosaic hops (4.6%). (Into the) Citra Galaxy is another 4.6% session IPA with hints of peach and tangerine. Pina Colada IPA is a little boozier at 7.1% but no less summer-friendly, fruited with natural flavors of coconut and pineapple. Speaking of fruit: Tropical Storm on a Sour Planet is for anyone who appreciates tropical flavors. Blood orange, passion fruit, pineapple, papaya, cherry, and black currant swirl together in this 4.9% kettle sour. Find these brews at Aeronaut’s taprooms and beer garden as well as in cans at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Castle Island Brewing Co.

A taproom exclusive from Castle Island Brewing Co., Castillo Lime is a light corn lager imbued with lime juice just before packaging. The result is a thirst-quenching 4.5% option with zesty aromas and a memorable citrus flavor that’s perfect for the season. Find it to-go at Castle Island’s Norwood and South Boston taprooms. Let’s go!

Long Live Roxbury

Long Live Beerworks has a couple lagers on draft at its new Boston taproom, including the exclusive ROX Pils (5.2%). But the Providence-based beermakers will defy expectations for a summer beer with Youth Revolt, a 6% IPA. Find this upcoming release at the Roxbury taproom and in cans at local stores. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

A longtime staple of Boston’s summer beer fridge, Whirlpool is a hazy pale ale that explodes with fruit flavors while staying super easy to drink. Find this brew at Night Shift’s taprooms and beer gardens as well as in cans at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Portico Brewing

Just a few simple ingredients bring the flavor to Portico’s Two Point Pils: Two malts (Pilsner and Carapils) and two hops (Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and Wakatu). Floral but dry with medium hop bitterness, its refreshing effervescence and lighter body make this German-style pilsner just what you want to reach for on a hot day. Find it at the Somerville taproom and in cans at local stores. Let’s go!

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

Samuel Adams Summer Ale needs no introduction, but we’ll provide one anyway. The Boston-born brewery’s seasonal favorite is a 5.3% American wheat ale that’s crisp easy-drinking with a citrus blend and a hint of pepper from West African grains of paradise. Find it in Sam’s Boston taprooms in Jamaica Plain and Faneuil Hall and in stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Southeast & Cape Cod

Article Fifteen Brewing

A whimsical name befits a traditional German Hefeweizen that gets generous additions of watermelon and boysenberry. Bugle Boys of Company B is the latest release from Rockland’s Article Fifteen. Balanced sweet, juicy fruit and classic wheat malt flavors sing in this 6.5% sunny-day sipper. Find it in the taproom on draft and in cans to-go. Let’s go!

Cape Cod Beer

Cape Cod’s first brewery is a year-round destination, but nobody’s surprised the Hyannis spot has plenty of summer crushers on offer. Cape Cod Beach Blonde is a polished golden ale at 4.9% with a hint of toasted malt character and a clean finish. Cape Cod Summer Ale is light and refreshing yet spicy and fruity as a traditional Bavarian Hefeweizen (5.5%). Big Sea Saison has lemony hops and an effervescent, dry, and slightly funky finish. It’s a 6% choice. Shillelagh Irish Pale Ale comprises Irish malts, oats, and 50 pounds of clover honey. Sounds perfect post-yard work! Find all these brews at Cape Cod Beer’s taproom, local stores, and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Independent Fermentations (IndieFerm)

Simple is satisfying in the case of Pilsnerd. IndieFerm’s summer go-to is a delicious beer that just tastes like beer. The year-round offering is light and crisp at 4.5%, making it a quintessentially crushable lawnmower or beach beer. Find it at the Plymouth taproom and at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Company

Get into Leisure Mode with Mayflower’s light, hoppy, and hazy New England IPA (4.5%). Crispy Business is another crushable choice from the Plymouth beermakers. Also 4.5%, it’s a smooth and dry Kölsch-style ale with a delicate and pleasant aroma of apple and pear. Find these bevvies at the taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing

A fan- and staff favorite, Seatown Lager is balanced, flavorful, and ultimately crushable with a balanced blend of malts and bright, floral hops. The 4.2% fan- and staff favorite is named in honor of Seattle, where Untold founder Matt Elder began his brewing career; and pays homage to the ocean. Find it at the Scituate taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Metrowest

Amory's Tomb Brewing Co.

Brewed with Maine malts, oats, and Merrimack Valley wildflower honey (plus European hops and lemon peel), Farm Road is a 4.5% saison perfect for any table set for summer in New England. Find it on draft at the Maynard taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company, Inc

Goody Two Shoes Kölsch is what to reach for when a trip to Germany isn’t in the cards. Exhibit A's authentic tribute to Cologne, the city where the style originated, is crisp and clean. The 4.5% flagship brew is lightly lemony with fresh-baked flavors followed by a dry finish. Find it on draft at the Framingham taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

Crisp and crushable Lost Shoe Light is a 4% American light lager brewed with barley, rice, water, and hops. It’s a taproom exclusive from Lost Shoe Brewing, on tap in Marlborough and available in cans to-go. Let’s go!

Medusa Brewing Company

This summer may lack the Olympics, but you can still support a gold medalist: Medusa’s Duchovni: Czech-style Pilsner earned that honor at the 2016 World Beer Cup. Bubbly with a clean, dry finish, it’s a crushable 5.2%. For something a little different, quaff the bright citrus flavors of Rapid Refresh: American Wheat Ale with Lemon & Orange Peel (4.6%). Find both brews at the Hudson taproom and beer garden and in local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Start Line Brewing

The summer crusher in Start Line Brewing’s Hop Load IPA series is evocatively named: Hazy Smalls is a juicy session ale that crosses the finish at just 4.5%. Find it on draft at the Hopkinton taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Central

Altruist Brewing Company

Unselfishly, Altruist Brewing Co. has a few crushable beers on offer this summer. The aptly named Crush It cream ale is light-bodied and easy-drinking at 4.2%. Passion Gose is slightly tart and very refreshing at 4.5%, with notes of passion fruit, guava, coriander, and a touch of pink Himalayan sea salt. Komisch German Style Kolsch is crisp, delicate, and oh-so drinkable at just 4.2%. Find them all at the Sturbridge taproom. Let’s go! 

Bull Spit Brewing Company

To celebrate its new location in Winchendon, Bull Spit brewed Toy Town Pilsner, a 4% refresher that’s also light on the wallet. Named for the bygone local industry, Toy Town isn’t for kids—but rather, the folks keeping them entertained all summer. Find it on draft and in cans to-go from the Winchendon taproom. Let’s go!

Dirigible Brewing Company
Auxiliary Tank is a ~2.4% (!!) American table beer that starts with nearly all local malt and hops and gets taproom-only variations like lemongrass. Kettle sours like Blue Sky Balloon, made with more than two pounds per barrel of blueberry puree, also keep things super sessionable at 3.45%. Canned beers are new to Dirigible’s summer lineup, too: For crushers, try Automaton, a traditional Bohemian pilsner; and the easy-drinking 5% American Porter. Find it all at the Littleton taproom. Let’s go!

Milk Room Brewing Co.
Chasing Rabbits: Lola's Lager is named after Milk Room’s beloved farm dog, Lola. The crisp, crushable, 4.2% American light lager is just perfect for the dog days of summer. Find it on draft at the Rutland farm-taproom and in cans to-go from local stores. Let’s go!

Penny Pinchers Brewing Co.

Even bad-weather days are grand with Rainy Day Fund Cloudberry Blonde Ale. A traditional blonde ale with just the right balance of sweet and tart from the cloudberry make it a perfect summer beer. Find it on draft at the Millbury taproom and in local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

Notes of toasted coconut and just enough malty sweetness combine in The One With The Coconuts, a 5% coconut cream ale from Redemption Rock. It’s crisp, light, and ready for the beach. Find it at the Worcester taproom as well as at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Sterling Street Brewery

Sterling Summer Ale gets a summery jolt from lemon and orange peel. This satisfying crusher lands at 5.1% and is available from the taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery

Wormtown’s refreshing Summer Ale evokes bright flavors of pineapple, juicy mango, and ripe strawberries with a bouquet of vibrant hops. Find the 4.8% crusher at the Worcester and Foxboro taprooms and at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Western Mass. & the Berkshires

Abandoned Building Brewery

The addition of real lemon juice makes Summer Shandy an especially refreshing wheat ale. Abandoned Building’s crushable blend is 4.6%. Find it at the Easthampton taproom as well as local stores. Let’s go!

Four Phantoms Brewing Company

Pouring bright magenta, Purple Potion is tangy and revivifying. The 5% brew delivers ripe raspberry and blackberry flavors under lavender aromas. Find it at the Greenfield taproom and local stores. Let’s go!

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

This summer, the town of Northfield turns 350. That calls for a celebration! Happy Birthday Northfield! Is just that, a 5% pale lager brewed with 100% homegrown barley and hops. Crush it: $1 from every taproom pour goes directly to the Northfield 350th committee to help support activities and celebrations throughout the anniversary year. Find this local beer only at Four Star Farms’ Northfield taproom. Let’s go!

Progression Brewing Company

Is it OJ or IPA? It’s Noon Juice Session NEIPA, a full-bodied beer that’s only 3.9%. An abundance of hops will wake you right up. Cape Time NEIPA is another summer crusher from Progression Brewing. It’s a smooth 5.2% with melon, berry, and pineap[ple notes that are very refreshing. Find both beers at the Northampton taproom as well as at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Vanished Valley Brewing Co.

Clarity is a clean and refreshing experience—and it’s also a 5% pilsner brewed by Vanished Valley for your crushing pleasure. Find it at the Ludlow taproom. Let’s go!

Mighty Squirrel, Haynes Group, Inc., and Phase Zero Design Celebrate Another Mighty Moment

The secret is out, another Mighty Squirrel location is coming, this time in the heart of Boston!

“We are thrilled to announce that we are building a brewery and taproom in the Fenway Neighborhood of Boston at 1 David Ortiz Drive, steps from Fenway Park,” said Naveen Pawar, the Co-Founder of Mighty Squirrel.

“Being situated in the heart of the Fenway neighborhood, right next to Fenway Park, gives this brewery a unique and animated location,” Olivia Harris, Senior Interior Designer at Phase Zero Design said. “It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of the area and creates a sense of connection to the local community and its sporting traditions.”

Haynes Group, Inc. recently broke ground on this project and will once again be managing construction with Phase Zero Design again taking the lead on design.

“Much like the Waltham location, the design of the latest taproom is focused on the beer enthusiast experience,” said Patrick Andrews, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at Haynes Group, Inc. “The design of this location allows patrons to enjoy craft beer while viewing the entire brewing process, front and center, from almost every vantage point of the brewery.”

The new brewery and taproom will have the ability to brew over 1,000 barrels of beer with a 10-barrel brewhouse, allowing them to get creative with small scale batches of new beer styles. Also unique from their original location, this 13,000 square foot multi-level facility will offer a full food program with the addition of a kitchen.

“The main difference between both locations is the construction of a second-level taproom area,” Andrews said. “The second-level taproom will include three bars, each with different design elements creating a unique experience for the community.”

“The brewery emphasizes its commitment to artisanal craft and the art of brewing. From the focus on design details to the brewing process itself, every aspect was crafted with care and attention to quality,” Harris said. “This dedication to craftsmanship sets the brewery apart from others and creates a distinct experience for visitors. Patrons get to be a part of this experience as they enjoy their beers while watching the brewery process unfold right in front of their eyes, with the functional brew deck at the heart of the space.”

This location offers a refreshed take on their original space while remaining true to their brand. “It was important for the design to connect to their flagship location in Waltham,” said Harris. “Phase Zero maintained that connection with a similar industrial feel, avoiding any frills or fancy elements. We tied in key finishes and pops of color used in Waltham such as their signature hickory wood and Cloud Candy Blue paint placed strategically throughout the dynamic linear space.”

PATHWAY DEVENS DEVELOPER SEEKS BREWERY FOR NEW TAPROOM

King Street to provide turnkey move-in ready space
for brewery to open Q1 2024

Devens, MA (June 21, 2023) – King Street Properties (“King Street”) announced today that they are seeking a brewery for a new taproom at its Pathway development, a thriving 45-acre multi- tenant campus in Devens, Massachusetts.

Pathway Devens is a five building, 700,000 square foot state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing campus that will start welcoming employees in the first half of 2024. This campus sits within the larger Devens community that employs over 10,000 people on a daily basis, making it an ideal location for a brewery to expand its footprint northwest of Boston. Devens boasts a thriving mix of commercial, residential, and recreational areas including parks, trails and golf courses and a portion of Devens is also still home to an active military reserve base.

Over half of King Street’s campus has already been delivered and phase 2 of the development is currently under construction, including the 8,300 SF amenity center and taproom. King Street has committed to a turnkey delivery of the taproom build-out and the space will be ready for occupancy in Q1 of 2024. The superior onsite amenities include a fitness center, lounge area, game room, cafe and taproom that will serve the campus workforce and the surrounding community with the food & beverage program. The amenity center will be a ‘third space,’ a place where employees in the area can work, socialize, eat and drink in a relaxing environment.

“This taproom will add a much-needed destination where those who work and live in Devens and the surrounding area can gather, dine, and spend time,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “MassDevelopment has worked to redevelop Devens into a thriving —

mixed-use community that is now home to more than 950 residents, 100 businesses and organizations, ample open space, and a range of recreational activities. Bringing a brewery to Devens will complement this community feel and further our efforts to create jobs and vibrancy here – we applaud King Street Properties for making this a part of its Pathway campus.”

“We have a track record of incorporating successful F&B experiences into campuses for both tenants and the surrounding community,” said Tyson Reynoso, Managing Director & Partner, King Street Properties.

“This is an amazing opportunity for a strong brewery partner given that the area is currently underserved by breweries and because there are 28,000 people within a five-mile radius on any given day.”

About King Street Properties, LLC
King Street is a private real estate investment management firm focused on servicing the complex needs of science-based companies and institutions. Headquartered in Boston, King Street’s assets are located in core research hubs including Greater Boston, New York, the Research Triangle in North Carolina, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. With 3 million square feet of stabilized assets under ownership and management and 4.5 million square feet in development, King Street is highly experienced in the development and operation of best-in-class life science research and development space and biomanufacturing & pharmaceutical buildings, serving as a trusted partner for companies that develop lifesaving drugs and therapies, medical devices, and companies harnessing renewable materials.

MBG Leaders See Plenty of Opportunity for Growth

President Adam Romanow and Vice President JP Gallagher discuss the latest priorities and plans of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild

In their roles as President and Vice President of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, two industry leaders with varied experience are eager to support fellow business owners — and their sights are set on growth. 

Adam Romanow, founder and CEO of Castle Island Brewing Company in Norwood and South Boston; and JP Gallagher, co-owner and head brewer at Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company in Marlborough, are the newest board officers of the state’s membership-based trade association. The Mass Brewers Guild works to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers through legislative influence and professional development.

Romanow, who has served on the MBG board since 2018 and was previously Treasurer and VP, was appointed by the board in February 2023 as President for a two-year term. Gallagher, whose business opened in 2019, was a MBG board member for two years before being elected Vice President. 

Following the historic victory to reform Massachusetts franchise laws in 2021 as well as the MBG’s successful efforts last year to continue pandemic-era programs that benefit the beer industry, the Guild has two new legislative priorities, Romanow says. 

First, the Guild is advocating for craft brewers to be allowed to sell their products at farmers markets. Currently, Massachusetts liquor laws allow only wineries and cideries to sell alcohol in this setting. “We're looking to bring a little bit of parity to the alcohol space, because we've heard from a lot of our member brewers that they would like to be able to sell their beer to go at farmers markets,” Romanow says.

Another legislative priority of the MBG involves changing a law against self-distribution for brewpubs. The Commonwealth currently requires brewpubs to go through a distributor to sell their products off-site, either for on-premise consumption or off premise. If passed, the bill promoted by the Guild would allow for licensed brewpubs to self-distribute a limited amount of beer, Romanow explains, “to take care of those situations where it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to sell your beer to someone else only to buy it back yourself, or to have it travel 50 miles in each direction to go to a neighboring restaurant.” Brewpub licensees constitute a fairly small number of Mass. license holders, Romanow notes, yet changing this law is crucial for many of them. 

Key to supporting both efforts, Gallagher agrees, is to meet with local legislators “to make sure that they know what our priorities are.” Gallagher currently serves on the Guild’s Government Affairs Committee, as well as its Membership and Marketing committees. Communication is at the heart of all of the goals he has for his role as Guild Vice President. 

“A big reason why I wanted to run for a board seat was because of how much the MBG has helped us as a small business,” Gallagher says. Lost Shoe has “valued the support that we've been given through the MBG. I want to make sure that other breweries in Mass. can benefit from that as well.” He hopes to increase membership to the Guild, which currently counts 130 breweries among its ranks out of 230 operating in the state. 

Supporting breweries’ efforts to become more diverse and inclusive places to work is important to the Guild’s board members. “That will help our growth as an industry,” Gallagher says. “You need diversity.”

In terms of marketing priorities, the board is collaborating with MBG Executive Director Katie Stinchon to streamline communications for both its members and consumers. Gallagher would also like to plan and execute more “membership tours,” during which board members visit fellow MBG breweries to gain insight into specific challenges and successes. “We do surveys throughout the year, but sitting down and having conversations directly with other breweries was super beneficial to understanding what some of the pain points are that our members are facing, so that we can better support them,” Gallagher says.

For Romanow, the next couple of years present “a lot of opportunity” for the MBG and its members. The craft beer market itself is trending downward, he notes, with more brands vying for less shelf space. “The Guild has a real opportunity, if not obligation, to be there to support our members through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and really helping them navigate a lot of the hurdles that are going to be coming,” Romanow says. MBG leaders are also positioned to assist and advise breweries dealing with growing pains related to sales and distribution issues, and matters of human resources.

The Mass Brewers Guild hosts quarterly membership meetings as well as other networking opportunities and events throughout the year. Romanow says there’s a need for more, like offering formal peer mentoring or more frequent roundtable discussions to members.

There is currently a vacancy on the nine-member Board of Directors. To learn more about what the role involves, check out this blog post. To set up an interview or to learn more, email the executive director. ​​Ideal candidates are already involved in the organization by regularly attending meetings, participating in the MBG’s festivals and fundraisers, and being visible members of the community. It’s important for the board to see a strong commitment from individuals wishing to join the leadership team.

Beyond volunteering to serve, member breweries can support the board in numerous ways. Throughout the year, there are opportunities to participate on action committees, volunteer at MBG festivals and events, and get the word out about legislative efforts. Feedback of any kind is always welcome, Romanow says. “We want to make sure that we're focusing on the items that matter most to our members,” he says. 

To learn more about the Mass Brewers Guild’s membership opportunities, programs, fundraisers and beer festivals, visit www.MassBrewersGuild.org.

MUSIC MATTERS: NEW STUDY CONFIRMS CONSUMERS EAT, DRINK & SPEND MORE WHEN LISTENING TO THEIR FAVORITE MUSIC

 (New York, NY- April 2023) A recent study by BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and NRG (National Research Group) confirms that music positively impacts the way consumers interact with local eating and drinking establishments. According to the findings, bars and restaurants that feature live music have customers who eat, drink and spend more when listening to music they enjoy, resulting in higher revenues for many business owners.

Out of the 1,000 nationally represented U.S. consumers1 surveyed across age demographics 21+, atmosphere and music are a big part of what keeps them returning to the establishments that they frequent. When taking a closer look at the data, specifically the responses of Millennials, music is the second most important feature they consider when selecting a bar or restaurant. In fact, it’s something they actively seek with more than half of respondents reporting that they often check the establishment’s website to see if they have live music before choosing where to go.

Music not only drives consumer traffic, but it also has the potential to increase revenue. The survey found that nearly 80% would stay longer if good music was playing, with close to 60% stating that they would buy more food and drinks to continue listening to music that they enjoy. That stat is even higher for Millennials at 70%.

Other findings show that music makes memories, and it has the potential to make or break the customer experience. Eighty-six percent of all those surveyed said that good music at a bar or restaurant creates a more memorable experience, with 89% of Millennials agreeing. Across the board, the younger generations show that music is an important part of the dining experience, with 84% of Gen Z and Millennials noting they are more likely to stay at a bar or restaurant with good music. If the music isn’t right, however, one out of two patrons said they would leave an establishment.

Live music also has very tangible benefits for consumers and businesses by creating ambiance and bringing people together while helping bars and restaurant owners differentiate themselves from competitors. Eighty-two percent said that their experience is more enjoyable with live music and noted that the type of music played tells a lot about the establishment, including helping to establish its brand. People were also more likely to wait for a table and grab a drink at the bar if live music was playing to keep them entertained with 81% of those surveyed saying they’d wait 20 minutes. That number rose to 87% when you just look at how Millennials responded, and 80% of that demographic would also pay for a two-drink minimum to hear live music.

In addition to consumers, restaurant owners and managers were also interviewed, sharing that they saw a clear boost in revenue on the nights that featured live music. An owner with breweries in Colorado and Utah confirmed that customers stay longer and spend more money when a band or DJ performs, commenting, “check averages tend to go up 5-10% … and revenues have jumped almost 25% on the nights that we have live music.” The owner of a family Italian restaurant in Atlanta, GA agreed, noting, “Without the [live] music we didn’t have the linger time, we would close sometimes at 9 o’clock. With the live music, we could push one o’clock in a bedroom community. There were more liquor sales, and that’s a 75% profit margin.”

For the complete consumer survey, click here and for more information on how to obtain a BMI music license please visit www.bmi.com/ede. 

1 A quantitative online survey among 1,000 nationally representative people age 21+ who regularly visit EDEs (at least 3x per month). To represent the B2B perspective, NRG conducted six in-depth-interviews with owners, operators and managers of bars and restaurants.

ABOUT BMI:

Celebrating over 80 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 20.6 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.3 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites, span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music, Inc.‘s Facebook page. Sign up for BMI’s The Weekly™ and receive our e-newsletter every week to stay up to date on all things music.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Gabriella Natali                Jodie Thomas
212.220.3141                    212-220-3142
gnatali@bmi.com             jthomas@bmi.com

New Program Aimed At Spurring Community Investment in Massachusetts Craft Breweries

MAINVEST AND MASSACHUSETTS BREWERS GUILD ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF “INVESTING IN MASSACHUSETTS CRAFT BREWERS” A LOCALIZED PROGRAM ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO INVEST AS LITTLE AS $100 DIRECTLY INTO OUR BURGEONING CRAFT BREWING SCENE.

The Mass Brewers Guild, the state’s trade association that exists to protect and promote the interests of Massachusetts craft breweries, has partnered with Mainvest, a Salem-based investment platform enabling small businesses to harness community investment to fuel their growth, to launch “Investing in Massachusetts Craft Brewers,” a program to enable individuals of any income level to become investors in the growing Massachusetts craft beer community.

“Owning, operating and growing a successful craft brewery takes capital -- funds that can be difficult to come by in today’s tight lending market,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “Mainvest has helped several of our state’s breweries get up and running so they can help revitalize downtown areas, employ locals and drive traffic and tourism to our state. We are excited about our new partners in this space and the support local investors can provide to aid these small business owners in fulfilling their dreams.” 

Over the past five years Mainvest has helped over 350 small businesses, and over 50 craft breweries, across America access capital to maintain and grow their small businesses, providing local communities with great food, good beer, local jobs, local wealth building opportunities and spaces that support and build community. Through Mainvest’s innovative platform, they allow anyone to become an investor in their community, investing with as little as $100 in local businesses and real estate offerings, strengthening the connection people have to their small businesses while providing capital on friendly terms to local entrepreneurs. 

“Massachusetts Craft Breweries have become a major force in local economic development, job creation and community building,” said Jonathan Berk, Mainvest’s VP of Growth and Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to be able to work with Massachusetts Brewers Guild to provide individuals across Massachusetts the opportunity to invest directly in their favorite local breweries while providing area breweries with this new opportunity to access the capital they need to sustain and grow their operations locally.”

Anyone interested in raising funds for their brewery or signing up to be alerted of new investment opportunities in Massachusetts breweries can sign up on the “Investing in Massachusetts Craft Brewers” landing page (mainvset.com/massbrew).

An explainer video from a recent webinar can be found below:

Here’s how Massachusetts breweries are going green

The MBG and the Eco-Friendly Beer Drinker support sustainability efforts with a two-year grant from the EPA.

Rob Vandenabeele lives every day like it’s Earth Day. 

Cofounder of the local blog Mass. Brew Bros. and a longtime public school teacher, Vandenabeele has combined his love for craft beer and the environment in a new way. After earning a certificate in Sustainability from Harvard Extension School, Vandenabeele—aka the Eco-Friendly Beer Drinker—is now the field manager of a grant-funded program helping Massachusetts breweries prevent waste and reduce their energy usage, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and UMass Boston’s Center for Sustainable Enterprise and Regional Competitiveness.

Since October, Vandenabeele has visited 19 Bay State breweries and counting, to show small businesses how they can become greener—and save money in the process. Thanks to a Pollution Prevention Grant funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, Vandenabeele’s expertise is available to any Massachusetts brewery for at least the next 18 months, at no cost to business owners. Vandenabeele can come in to assess a brewery’s operations, and make recommendations about ways it could become more efficient. He’ll connect business owners with networks and resources to help them achieve their sustainability goals.

“It takes time. It takes effort. It takes knowledge,” Vandenabeele says, and he understands small business owners are already stretched thin. “Why the EPA gave us this grant is because we can go into a business” and inform them about their many options.

These days, due to the state’s ban on organic waste, breweries are likely already recycling their spent grains. They’re probably already collecting and reusing PakTechs. But what are some other ways this industry can become more environmentally friendly? 

Well, Vandenabeele is glad you asked.

Harnessing Renewable Energy

You don’t have to install your own solar panels or wind turbines to use renewable energy. Vandenabeele understands that infrastructural upgrades can be cost prohibitive, or even impossible for some breweries that don’t own their own facilities. 

There are some that are doing it, of course:

• Barrington Brewery and Restaurant was the first in Massachusetts to invest in an on-site solar array. 

• Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport leases space in a large building with a 500-kilowatt solar array on the roof and also has a wind turbine. The brewery draws 100% of the energy it uses from on-site renewables.

• 7th Wave Brewing in Medfield owns its own building (which also houses 10 other businesses, including a distillery and a sake brewery). A 500-kilowatt solar array on the roof produces more power than the building uses—so not only does the brewery not have an electricity bill to pay, but it actually collects a check each month from Eversource.

But those are examples of the gold standard. Vandenabeele wants every brewery (and private citizen!) to know about how easy it can be to invest in renewable energy through purchase power agreements.

With a PPA, customers buy electricity from a third-party contractor, which works with other providers of renewable energy—be it solar, wind, hydro, etc. “Someone else is doing all the work” to set up the source of power, Vandenabeele explains, while the brewery’s electricity-bill money is, “in essence, going to increase the infrastructure for renewable power.”

For developers of renewable power sources, it can be lucrative, because federal and state governments are incentivizing purchase power agreements. But PPAs can also save money for energy users. Amherst Brewing Company’s five Hangar Pub restaurants, Coastal Mass. Brewing Co., Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co., Fieldcrest Brewing Co., Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co., Moby Dick Brewing Co., and Pioneer Valley Brewing Co., have all tied to community solar through associate member of the MBG, East Coast Renewable Energy. Participants are expected to save 10% on their electric bills through the program. 

There's no investment required whatsoever to participate in a PPA—and in fact, most agreements offer a discount because of the environmental benefits. Check out the state’s website about purchase power agreements to learn about the options, or get in touch with East Coast Renewable Energy for a free evaluation. 

Reducing Organic Waste

Until the U.S. tackles the problem of food waste—which sees nearly 40% end up in landfills annually—Vanguard Renewables is stepping in with a solution. 

The Agawam-based company collects organic waste such as spent grains, food scraps, and even out-of-code beer and turns it into methane gas, which can be used for energy, through a controlled process called anaerobic digestion. If this waste ends up in a landfill, it also becomes methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to increased atmospheric warming and climate change. 

An associate member of the MBG, Vanguard Renewables is already working with numerous Massachusetts breweries, including Berkshire Brewing Company, Riverwalk, Jack’s Abby, Tree House, Wachusett Brewing, and White Lion. In 2022, the company recycled nearly 11,000 tons of brewery waste, mitigating about 6,350 tons of carbon dioxide. That’s equivalent to planting more than 100,000 trees. The renewable energy produced by anaerobically digesting that waste is capable of fueling a city bus for over 1,000,000 miles, according to Vanguard.

While methane gas is still a fossil fuel, harnessing it in a controlled way, from rescued organic waste, is a more environmentally friendly source of it than fracking is, Vandenabeele notes.

Sourcing Local Ingredients

Supporting your local brewery feels great—but how local is that beer, really? In reality, the grain base probably grew in the Midwest or Canada, and the hops were likely flown in from the Pacific Northwest. “There are substantial emissions involved with that delivery,” Vandenabeele says.

Using locally grown ingredients achieves two major goals: One, it cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping materials, and two, it supports the local economy. More demand for New England-grown ingredients “creates new opportunities for local farmers to consider a whole new crop,” Vandenabeele says.

CraftRoots Brewing is unique in sourcing all the malt it uses from New England craft maltsters, as well as the majority of its hops from a family farm in Western Mass. Redemption Rock in Worcester, the first Massachusetts craft brewery to become a certified B Corp; Wormtown, Lamplighter, Trillium, and Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co. have also all produced exclusively local products.

“They’re putting their money where their mouth is,” he says. “If you’re a farmer thinking about growing barley or wheat, you need to have an end-market to sell it to. So if Lamplighter says, ‘We’ll take as much as we can get from you,’ that’s huge.”

The Northeast Grainshed Alliance was founded in 2020 to increase demand for Northeast grains. It promotes networking and collaboration between local growers, processors, and makers; and it increases understanding about the value of regional grains through various communications and policy advocacy strategies. The SQFT Project, for example, is a tool makers can use to calculate the square footage of farmland involved in making a product, and features a logo signifying the product’s commitment.

“For consumers, you should buy that beer if you care about the environment,” Vandenabeele says. If a beer touts 100% local hops or malt—even a one-time, special release—“that’s serious dedication by that brewery.”

Creating a sustainable culture

Portico Brewing, which recently opened its first taproom in Somerville after years as a contract brand, has hit the ground running with plans for sustainability, says Vandenabeele, who helped the company apply for and receive a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant provides recipients up to $5,000 to establish waste reduction projects. Portico is using its grant to help pay for reusable silverware, plates, bowls, trays, and stainless steel cups for its taproom and in-house kitchen, in an effort to have zero waste. 

The new brewery at Boynton Yards is also working to become a certified bike-friendly business, and is establishing partnerships with local conservation groups like the Charles River Watershed Association, the Somerville Urban Forestry Division, and the Great Massachusetts Cleanup. Portico also has its sights set on becoming the first Massachusetts brewery to become a member of 1% For the Planet, a non-profit organization that encourages all kinds of businesses to donate a percent of gross sales to environmental causes.

Sure, Portico has the clean slate of its first brick-and-mortar—but well-established breweries can make these changes, too. Vandenabeele, the MBG, and our partners at UMass Boston are excited to show you how.

To learn more and set up a sustainability evaluation at your brewery, email the Eco-Friendly Beer Drinker today. Happy Earth Day!