News Summary
Wormtown Brewery is undergoing a major renovation and expansion of its Shrewsbury Street taproom, nearly doubling its size to 10,000 square feet. With construction underway since July, the revamped space will include a lounge, dining options, and collaborative events with local restaurants. The expansion follows the brewery’s acquisition by the Hendler Family Brewing Co. and aims to enrich customer experiences while maintaining the quality of offerings. A grand reopening is planned to coincide with a significant anniversary for the brewery.
Worcester, MA — Wormtown Brewery’s Shrewsbury Street Taproom Undergoes Major Renovation and Expansion
The Wormtown Brewery, a prominent craft brewing company based in Worcester for over 16 years, is currently undertaking a significant renovation of its main taproom located on Shrewsbury Street. The project aims to expand the taproom to approximately 10,000 square feet, nearly doubling its original size, with construction underway since the taproom’s closure on July 3, 2024. This expansion and renovation are part of a broader effort to enhance the brewery’s facilities and customer experience.
Closure and Construction Details
The Shrewsbury Street taproom has been temporarily closed since early July. During this period, major construction efforts have been focused on demolishing and rebuilding parts of the existing space, including a brick wall behind the bar, to create a larger, more restaurant-like environment. The construction is still in progress, and a representative confirmed that the taproom remains in “heavy construction,” with updates on the reopening anticipated soon.
The newly expanded space will add about 4,500 square feet, bringing the total to roughly 10,000 square feet. The design incorporates aesthetic elements such as stained glass windows in blue and white, as well as a lounge area known as ‘the Barrel Loft’ on the second floor. This upper level aims to offer a relaxed space with features like foosball tables and potential for additional entertainment options in the future.
Ownership Change and Strategic Growth
Earlier this year, Wormtown Brewery was acquired by the Hendler Family Brewing Co., the parent company of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers. The acquisition, finalized in April 2024, was intended to support the ongoing growth and development of the Wormtown brand. Following the purchase, key members of the production team relocated from Worcester to Framingham, although the brewery’s production has remained consistent, with few changes to its beer lineup aside from minor packaging and release schedule adjustments.
Impact on Local Operations and Customer Experience
During the closure of the Worcester taproom, many customers have shifted their visits to Wormtown’s Foxboro location, which has experienced increased business. The Foxboro taproom has become especially busy during Patriots home games, opening at 10 a.m. on game days and serving thousands of fans. Special food offerings like hot dogs, burgers, and bratwurst have been available, along with flagship beers such as Be Hoppy, which remains popular among game attendees.
The Foxboro location plans to continue its extended hours during Patriots games, opening at noon with multiple TVs showing NFL games and RedZone channel coverage, catering to sports fans and local patrons alike.
Future Plans and New Features
The new Shrewsbury Street taproom will not only double as a space for enjoying craft beer but will also include a kitchen and collaborations with local restaurants for pop-up food events. The design aims to pay homage to Worcester and Wormtown’s heritage through murals and decor. The brewery also intends to introduce distilling operations alongside brewing in the expanded space, aiming to diversify its offerings.
Scheduled to coincide with Wormtown’s 11th anniversary, the grand opening of the renovated taproom will mark a significant milestone for the brewery. The company plans to offer various experiences within the new space, ranging from casual lounge areas to more full-service dining options, reflecting the growth of the brewery and the evolving craft beer scene in Worcester.
The expansion signifies Wormtown Brewery’s commitment to growth and innovation, maintaining its position as a key player in the local craft beverage industry. The company continues to focus on providing quality products while expanding its community-focused spaces.
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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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