E-Malt.com News article: US, MA: Amherst Brewing Company hopes to open new facility in August

Since opening in 1997, the Amherst Brewing Company in Amherst, MA has undergone three expansions and renovations at its downtown location, but had virtually run out of options to do anything more, The Republican reports.

While they weren't thinking of moving from the former First National Bank on North Pleasant Street, they heard about a space available on University Drive - the former Leading Edge fitness facility. That facility had opened as a Gold's Gym in the site of the former Victory supermarket at Newmarket Center, but closed last October.

At that point, "We were looking to grow the business," said principal owner John Korpita.

"We decided we liked the place." Now that the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the move, the company is in the midst of renovating the more than 20,000 square-foot site hoping for an August opening.

Korpita said the new site has much appeal.

"It gives us the opportunity to take it to the next level," he said of the brewery. It is about 30 percent larger than its current site. It allows the restaurant to be on one floor - it's currently on two - provides seating for an additional 100 people and free and abundant parking. He said customers have complained about parking at the current location, particularly on Friday nights.

He said there are more than 200 spaces at the center. And, while there are other businesses in the center, the spaces will be available when the restaurant is busiest.

"We just figured it was a convenient location," Korpita said. He said he likes that the restaurant will be on the main boulevard to the University of Massachusetts. He also hopes that nearby offices will increase the brewery's lunch business.


22 April, 2011