Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 1/9/2019
WILBRAHAM – Fieldcrest Brewing Company is one step closer to opening.
At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved the pouring permit for the proposed brewery on Boston Road at the former Dana’s Grillroom site.
Adam Field appeared before the board with his wife Shannon, accompanied by their daughters Ashlynn and Jordan, and told the board the family-owned and run establishment could be open by sometime in February.
The Board of Selectmen’s approval is good from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, matching the approval handed down by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Fields said they have no intention of operating seven days a week, but the broad approval of operating times was appreciated because it prevented the need to return to the board for further approvals down the road.
Adam Field said the brewery would offer beer for on-site consumption and growler fills. Depending on licensing, it will offer light food of some kind and carry-in food would be encouraged. Shannon Field noted the family wants to support local restaurants and hopes to visit local establishments in order to have an array of menus at the brewery. Selectman Susan Bunnell said she enjoyed that concept and looked forward to see a culture change with regard to collaboration and cooperation between local businesses.
The Fields also queried the board about the possibility of food trucks and Selectman Robert Russell explained they are currently prohibited in town, but given the changing landscape of food service and operations of businesses like breweries and food trucks, it is an issue the town should reconsider. It was noted that Iron Duke Brewing Company, which is preparing for a move to Wilbraham from its current space at the Ludlow Mills, was approved for a food truck of sorts at Town Meeting, but that is a permanent and stationary part of the property. Federal and state licensing for the brewery has already been received and while navigating the licensing and permitting process, the family has been renovating the interior of the building. Adam Field said the general layout has remained the same and what was the kitchen at Dana’s Grillroom was converted to a brew house. The public area, including the bar, is largely unchanged, with the exception of some areas being opened up to accommodate entertainment such as a new shuffleboard table.
Shannon Field noted that all servers would be TIPS certified. Selectman Robert Boilard advised the Fields to be vigilant regarding parking in order to be courteous to the brewery’s neighbors. Russell added the Fields would have to return before the board to address any plans for entertainment on the property’s patio.
The board also approved a license to sell tobacco products to a business owner next door, granting permission to Hunter Marosits, owner of H&R Homes Remodeling Inc., to run Sir Louis Cigars from the basement area of his Boston Road property.
Marosits, a self-proclaimed cigar enthusiast, said he planned for Sir Louis Cigars to be a low-key operation. It would not have regular business hours with sales taking place by appointment for via online purchase. He stressed the establishment would not be a smoking room, but rather a niche business through which fellow cigar aficionados could purchase products.
During his report to the board, Town Administrator Nick Breault said the town was recently approved for Green Communities status, which opens the door for grant opportunities. Bunnell noted the town is eligible to receive approximately $152,000, which potentially could be used for a number of projects that need doing, including the town building study, proposed library and information technology projects, and the installation of new freezers and refrigerators at Soule Road School. The deadline for grant applications is Feb. 9.
Breault also noted as the town approaches the fiscal year 2020 (FY20) budget cycle, a number of retirements will make the budgetary process more challenging. He reported there could be up to nine retirements in FY20. Among the already confirmed retirements, which were accepted by the board later at the meeting, are Wilbraham Police Department Patrolmen Lawrence Rich and Harold Swift and Wilbraham Fire Department Captain William Manseau, who heads the Fire Prevention and Code Compliance Division, and Captain Thomas Shaw, head of B Group.
In addition, Breault informed the board he would present the proposed budget at the board’s Jan. 28 meeting. The selectmen also scheduled the 2019 Annual Town Meeting for May 13.