Westfield River Brewing relocates to expand business

Date: 8/15/2014

SOUTHWICK – In an effort to expand its business, the Westfield River Brewing Co. has relocated to the former Chuck’s Steakhouse building located at 707 College Highway.

The new location is a three-story, 2,500 square-foot barn where alcohol would be served on the first floor and the outside patio. Sergio Bonavita, brewer for the company, went before the Board of Selectman on Aug. 11 to obtain a Farmer-Breweries, Farmer-Wineries & Farmer-Distilleries license for the new location.
   
The public hearing was conducted that evening, but the license decision was postponed until the Selectman’s next meeting on Aug. 25, due to the absence of Selectwoman Tracy Cesan. No residents spoke in opposition to the license, but a few residents from the audience of about 10 spoke in support of the license.
   
“We want to educate them [our consumers] about the product while they are enjoying it,” Bonavita said, adding that the brewery was granted the same type of license when situated there.
   
Bonavita explained that the brewery would offer a tasting bar with 10 tap lines as well as a growler refill station and six-packs for purchase to be consumed at home.
   
He added that the company was in the process of installing two handicap-accessible bathrooms on the first floor for its patrons.
   
When asked, Bonavita advised the board that he would like the brewery to be open daily from noon to 10 p.m. He said of the family-run business, “I don’t foresee us having any paid employees for a while.”
   
Selectman Russell Fox said, “We’ll digest this [and see you in two weeks].”
   
To learn more about the brews available, visit http://westfieldriverbrewing.com.