News Summary
Wormtown Brewery in Worcester is set to close its Shrewsbury Street taproom for a significant renovation, which will expand the facility by 4,500 square feet. The renovations aim to enhance the customer experience with new design elements and a larger space while introducing distilling alongside brewing. Despite the temporary closure, the brewery’s production remains stable, with minimal changes in beer offerings. The grand reopening is planned to coincide with the brewery’s upcoming anniversary, showcasing its commitment to growth and community.
Worcester – Wormtown Brewery’s taproom on Shrewsbury Street is currently undergoing a significant renovation, closing its doors on July 3, 2024, as part of a planned construction project. The expansion will add around 4,500 square feet to the facility, increasing the total size of the taproom to approximately 10,000 square feet.
Wormtown Brewery has been a staple of the Worcester community since its inception over 16 years ago. Recently, the brewery came under new ownership when it was purchased by the Hendler Family Brewing Co. in April 2024, a decision aimed at fostering the brand’s growth and sustainability. This acquisition has also raised concern and speculation among patrons about the future location of the brewery at 72 Shrewsbury Street.
The renovations at the Shrewsbury taproom are expected to create a more inviting atmosphere that features a larger, restaurant-like space. Key developments include the reconstruction of a brick wall behind the bar to facilitate this expansion. A representative from Wormtown has confirmed that the taproom remains in “heavy construction” and is expected to have updates regarding its reopening soon.
Despite the temporary closure of the Worcester taproom, Wormtown’s production capabilities have remained stable. Changes to the beer lineup have been minimal, focusing primarily on adjustments in packaging and beer release schedules. In the wake of this closure, Wormtown’s satellite taproom in Foxboro has seen an uptick in business, particularly during home games for the New England Patriots. The Foxboro location has adjusted its hours to open at 10 a.m. on game days, catering to thousands of fans with special food options and a variety of beers, including the popular flagship beer, Be Hoppy.
The renovations are designed to embody Wormtown’s connection to the local community and its brand identity. Design elements include blue and white stained glass windows and a lounge area referred to as ‘the Barrel Loft.’ The second floor will provide a relaxed atmosphere featuring foosball tables and potential game areas for patrons. This architectural update symbolizes the brewery’s commitment to enhancing customer experience.
Another aspect of the renovation plans includes the introduction of distilling alongside brewing in the new taproom. This will allow Wormtown to diversify its offerings, with an emphasis on collaboration with local restaurants for pop-up events, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
The grand reopening of Wormtown’s Shrewsbury Street taproom is planned to coincide with the brewery’s 11th birthday, underscoring the significance of this milestone. This expansion reflects not only the growth of Wormtown Brewery but also the evolving craft beer scene in Worcester, which continues to flourish.
As Wormtown Brewery embarks on this new chapter under the Hendler family’s ownership, it aims to provide a comprehensive experience for its customers within the newly designed taproom, complete with tributes to Worcester through murals and décor. The brewery’s commitment to quality and community remains a driving force, evidenced by the ongoing renovations and the introduction of new initiatives.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
