USA, MD: Burnish Beer Co. becomes Salisbury's newest restaurant and brewery

Tucked in the corner of Naylor Mill Road and Northwood Drive is a pop of royal blue surrounded by bright green AstroTurf. The colorful sight is Burnish Beer Co., Salisbury's newest restaurant and brewery, the Salisbury Daily Times reported on November 18.

Co-owner and head brewer Randy Mills said it has been a "long road" to get to the brewery's opening.

Now that Burnish is serving guests, Mills said the brewery is prepared to give its guests a "fun experience."

Mills has strong roots in the Delmarva brewery business.

In 2009, he began his professional brewing career at Evolution Craft Brewing Co. when it was in Delmar.

Five years later, he co-founded Cambridge's RaR Brewing, where he was the head brewer.

However, as a Salisbury native, Mills wanted to work "in and for Salisbury."

Mills founded Burnish with three other partners: Mathew Schockley, Taylor Wade and Alex Fisher. Wade's family owns the building that now houses Burnish.

As north Salisbury's dining scene is dominated by chain restaurants, Mills said he believes the area could use something like Burnish.

Before the 40-year-old building could become a hub for beer and community, it had to undergo significant renovations. Mills said the building was dilapidated, with the ceiling coming down in some sections.

Though the building wasn't initially in the best condition, Mills said he "couldn't ask for a better set up," referencing the building's tall ceilings, good water flow and electrical capabilities.

"Even from the outside, you look at the building and it looks like nothing you've seen on the Eastern Shore," Mills said. "It's just a different look."

When patrons walk into Burnish, they are met with a wide, open space that features repurposed furniture and a bar that overlooks televisions and the kitchen.

Mills described Burnish's menu as "simple." In addition to beer and other alcoholic beverages, the menu offers classic foods like pizza, salads, tacos and wings.

Mills said his favorite menu items are the pizza and Liege-style Belgian waffles.

Ultimately, Mills wants Burnish to be "a place where people can hang out." The brewery plans to have live music, show sporting events and movies, and host games like cornhole tournaments.

In the summer, patrons will be able to enjoy Burnish's outdoor setup — AstroTurf and all. The brewery plans to add an outdoor bar and gas firepit.

"I can't wait for it," Mills said. "I'll be out there."

The brewery will also hold can releases for new beers. Mills anticipates these releases could bring in people from other states.

Mills does not intend for Burnish to remain the same over time. He said he always wants everything to be just right at the brewery.

"We're going to keep refining our menu, refining our beers," Mills said. "It's important to me and it keeps it challenging to try to make stuff better."

19 November, 2021