News Summary
Wormtown Brewery is renovating its taproom on Shrewsbury Street, expanding by 4,500 square feet to enhance the customer experience. This closure, part of the renovation under new ownership, aims to integrate more amenities and local collaborations, all while maintaining stable beer production. The revamped space will celebrate local culture and mark a significant milestone for the brewery. The grand reopening is planned to coincide with Wormtown’s anniversary, reflecting the craft beer scene’s evolution in Worcester.
Worcester
Wormtown Brewery’s taproom on Shrewsbury Street is undergoing a major renovation, set to expand to approximately 10,000 square feet. The beloved location has been closed since July 3, 2024, prompting speculation about whether the brewery had relocated from its established address at 72 Shrewsbury Street. This closure was part of a planned construction project, as Wormtown is now under the ownership of the Hendler Family Brewing Co., which also controls Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers.
The renovation will enhance the taproom by adding roughly 4,500 square feet to the existing space. The Hendler Family, which acquired Wormtown in April 2024, aims to support the brand’s growth and sustainability in the competitive craft beer market. Despite the changes in management, Wormtown’s beer production remains stable, with the product lineup mostly staying the same, despite minor updates in packaging and release schedules.
The ongoing construction includes significant alterations, such as taking down and rebuilding a brick wall behind the bar to enable a more spacious, restaurant-like environment for patrons. A representative confirmed that the taproom is currently in “heavy construction,” with updates regarding the reopening date expected soon.
Impact of Closure on Business
During the Shrewsbury Street taproom’s closure, Wormtown’s Foxboro location has experienced a noticeable increase in business. The Foxboro taproom opens early at 10 a.m. on Patriots home games and caters to thousands of fans, offering special food items including hot dogs, burgers, and bratwurst on game days. The flagship beer, Be Hoppy, has particularly gained popularity among fans attending these events. The Foxboro location features five TVs broadcasting NFL games and the RedZone channel, creating an engaging atmosphere for sports enthusiasts.
Features of the New Taproom
The renovation of the Shrewsbury Street location aims to introduce several new amenities and design features to enhance the customer experience. Plans include the addition of blue and white stained glass windows and a dedicated lounge area, informally referred to as ‘the Barrel Loft’. The upstairs floor will be designed to provide a relaxed setting with foosball tables and potential future gaming options.
Wormtown has also announced its intention to diversify its offerings by introducing distilling alongside brewing in the newly refurbished taproom. Furthermore, there are plans for a kitchen that will allow collaborations with local restaurants for pop-up events, thereby integrating the brewery more closely with the community.
Honoring Local Heritage
As part of the redesign, murals and decorative elements will pay homage to both the city of Worcester and the Wormtown brand, celebrating local culture and craftsmanship. The grand opening of the new taproom is slated to coincide with Wormtown’s 11th birthday, marking a significant milestone in the brewery’s journey and growth within the craft beer industry.
Looking Ahead
The overall expansion reflects the evolution of the craft beer scene in Worcester and caters to the growing interest in innovative and diverse experiences in breweries. Wormtown is positioning itself to meet these demands while continuing to provide high-quality beer and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Telegram: Beyond Beer Amid Construction, Something’s Brewing at Wormtown
- Wikipedia: Wormtown Brewery
- Boston Magazine: Wormtown Brewery at Patriot Place
- Google Search: Wormtown Brewery
- MassLive: Wormtown Brewery’s New Worcester Taproom
- Google Scholar: Wormtown Brewery
- MassLive: Meet the New Wormtown Brewery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wormtown Brewery
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