USA, MA: Village Brewing Company to open new brewpub in downtown Somerville

The owners of Village Brewing Company, the first brewpub in Somerset County, hope to open a 180-seat upscale casual restaurant and 30-seat bar in the 8,400-square-foot space on West Main Street, Somerville that used to house Woolworth's and the Somerville Antiques Center in the summer of 2018.

“Downtown Somerville is really a hot spot and the place to be,” said Iris Frank, co-owner of Village Brewing Company and director of business development and banquet services. “We considered several towns in New Jersey for our brewpub, but in the end it was an easy decision. There is such a strong sense of community and a cool vibe to the downtown. We’ve watched the amazing transformation of Somerville and the ongoing commitment to enhancing the entire downtown experience.”

Future plans call for the renovation of the lower floor into the “Village Square,” another 8,400 square feet of space that will serve as a local performing arts center, as well as a banquet and event facility.

Village Brewing Company has signed the lease with Somerville Partners, LLC. Mark Hay, a co-owner of the property, said $1.5 million will be invested in a renovation of the building and its façade to include architectural enhancements and an area for outdoor dining. The upper floors will be reintroduced as modern loft office space.

The ground-floor restaurant will have an open design kitchen and a glass-enclosed brew house to provide customers with a unique dining experience. Large stainless steel brewing kettles and fermentation tanks will add to the industrial chic décor.

Seasonal menus will include locally sourced ingredients for a farm-to-table cuisine and a selection of eight to ten in-house brewed craft beers will change monthly. Wine and spirits will also be served.

“The restaurant will be an upbeat, vibrant place for the community to enjoy great craft beers and high-quality food made with fresh, local ingredients,” said Scott Eadie, co-owner and general manager. “We’ll provide a warm, comfortable environment and an affordable menu that will include everything from steaks and chops to sandwiches, salads and specials. Our craft brews will keep beer lovers coming back to sample our latest specialty recipes or savor their regular favorites.”

The new brewpub will employ approximately 70 people.

Gary Frank, co-owner, president and CEO of Village Brewing Company, will spearhead the interior construction of the restaurant and brew house. A mechanical contractor, Frank has a long history of building breweries, among other large projects.

"Village Brewing Company's decision to open in Downtown Somerville represents a significant private investment on our Main Street and will certainly add to the vibrant community life here," said Tom Genova, chairman of the Downtown Somerville Allliance. "Somerville is a recognized success story across New Jersey, and we are proud that our downtown district will be home to the first brewpub in the county."

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