News Summary
Wormtown Brewery’s taproom on Shrewsbury Street is being renovated to expand its space by 4,500 square feet. The upgrades aim to create a more restaurant-like atmosphere and enhance visitor experiences. Owned by the Hendler Family Brewing Co., the brewery plans to integrate distilling operations and collaborate with local restaurants upon completion. The renovation will feature inviting design elements, including stained glass windows and a lounge area, with a grand reopening planned to celebrate the brewery’s milestone anniversary.
Worcester – Wormtown Brewery’s taproom located on Shrewsbury Street is undergoing a major renovation that began after its closure on July 3, 2024. This construction project is set to expand the existing space by approximately 4,500 square feet, bringing the total area of the taproom to roughly 10,000 square feet. The upgrades aim to create a more restaurant-like atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
The brewery is currently owned by the Hendler Family Brewing Co., which also owns Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers. The Hendlers purchased Wormtown Brewery in April 2024 to help the brand grow and evolve. Following this acquisition, key members of the production team have transitioned to Framingham, while the brewery’s production and beer lineup have remained steady, with minor updates to packaging and release schedules.
The current renovation includes a significant reconstruction project that involves taking down and rebuilding a brick wall behind the bar. This change will allow for the expansion of the taproom into a larger dining and socialization space. Currently, the taproom is described as being in “heavy construction,” and updates about its reopening are anticipated soon.
During the renovation, the Foxboro taproom has benefited from increased patronage due to the closure of the Shrewsbury Street location. The Foxboro site opens at 10 a.m. during Patriots home games, accommodating thousands of fans with a menu featuring popular food options like hot dogs, burgers, and bratwurst. The flagship beer, Be Hoppy, has been well-received by attendees, solidifying Wormtown’s presence during these events.
Upon completion, the new Shrewsbury Street taproom will introduce a variety of design elements aimed at creating an inviting environment. Features will include blue and white stained glass windows and a designated lounge area known as “the Barrel Loft.” Additionally, the second floor will provide a relaxed atmosphere with foosball tables and space for future games, appealing to a broader audience.
Wormtown Brewery’s future plans also encompass integrating distilling operations alongside its brewing activities in the updated taproom. The inclusion of a kitchen will facilitate collaborations with local restaurants for pop-up events, enriching the community’s culinary landscape in tandem with its craft beer scene. Murals and decor within the new space will pay homage to both the city of Worcester and the Wormtown brand, enhancing local pride.
The grand opening of the renovated taproom is particularly significant as it will coincide with Wormtown Brewery’s 11th birthday, marking over a decade of service to the local community and the beer enthusiasts of Worcester. This expansion reflects not only Wormtown’s growth but also the evolving craft beer scene in the region, as more customers seek distinctive and engaging experiences within local breweries.
General Manager Darren Sutton has acknowledged the Hendler family’s efforts in revitalizing Wormtown’s brand and maintaining the high-quality standards consumers have come to expect. The anticipated changes are viewed as a pivotal step in ensuring the brewery’s longevity and relevance in a competitive market.
Overall, the renovation of Wormtown Brewery’s Shrewsbury Street taproom signifies a commitment to enhancing customer experience and fostering community connections, reinforcing its status as a staple in Worcester’s craft beer landscape.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
