A new venture is brewing on Huntsville’s Main Street.
Lake of Bays Brewing Company announced today that, in the spring of 2018, it will open the Huntsville Brewhouse at 59 Main Street East, featuring a restaurant, brewing and event space.
“Huntsville doesn’t have a brewpub and it needs one!” said company president, Darren Smith, arriving at the brewpub’s future space to hang signs announcing the news. “We’ve been looking at doing this for more than a year and scouting for locations.”
Local developer Ed Wiebe, who owns the property, also noticed the lack of a brewpub in Huntsville and was thinking that the lower level of the building – most recently housing Unique Boutique and the Antique Cellar – would be an ideal place for one. “It worked out perfectly,” said Smith, of the 4,000 square foot space.
Beer will be brewed on site, albeit on a smaller scale than what’s produced at the company’s flagship location in Baysville which launched in 2010. Brewing for the company is overseen by brewmaster Dan Unkerskov.
It will be pretty exciting because we get to make some unique specialty batches that will only be available here. And it will be a chance for our brewers to get a little bit creative and try out some different beer styles and test them before we put it out into the broader market.
Darren Smith, President, Lake of Bays Brewing Company
Similar to the location-inspired brews produced in Baysville that give a nod to Lake of Bays history and lifestyle, the Huntsville Brewhouse will include branding based on local features. “We have Huntsville in the name for a reason,” said Smith. “We want to be local to this town and we are looking forward to opportunities to partner maybe with some local businesses and groups on some new styles, and we’ll be rotating things on a seasonal basis as well.”
The Huntsville Brewhouse will also include a retail store, similar to the company’s Baysville location, as well as a full restaurant. “(On the retail side) you can try samples, you can fill growlers and you can buy beer to take home,” said Smith. “On the other side there is going to be a full restaurant with our beer, some guest taps, and some wine and liquor, but it will be primarily a beer-focused place.”
The brewpub is slated to open in spring 2018. “It’s full steam ahead to be open before next summer. We’ve got equipment on order, we’ve got some draft plans as well, and we are hoping to start construction in the next couple of months. We are still toying around with menu themes, but we’re thinking a barbecue focus. That’s still to be confirmed,” said Smith, adding that they are working with consultants to “get the place set up properly and we’ll be looking for people to run the front and back of house for us. We’re having some discussions right now.”
The brewing company will run events out of the location, and will also have the space available for rent.
The announcement comes on the heels of news earlier this month that a new craft brewery will open in the former Dollarama building on King William Street. The two breweries are unrelated.
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Dan Shilt says
As a seasonal resident from Atlanta, who misses Southern BBQ, this is great news and a fantastic addition to downtown Huntsville. Consider hickory, oak or cherry wood smoked meats and ribs, with a variety of sauces, plus a number of sides such as mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, collard or turnip greens, and Brunswick stew (wiling to share my recipe). You will have a real winner!!
wendy brown says
The two kinds of restaurants i miss when im here is a good indian restaurant and a good kebab shop. Saying that a friend of mine gave me years ago a recipe for the bread that’s sold at the largest most popular barbecue restaurant in Austin , i’d be wiling to share the recipe also if it would help.
Cathy Simpson says
Where will the Antique Cellar go? I love it and always take company there.
Debbie Kirwin says
I love beer! What a great addition to the downtown. Are there plans to make it wheelchair accessible?
Dawn Huddlestone says
Hi Debbie,
This was the company’s response to a similar question on Facebook:
“Thanks for your concern, Donna! Our brewpub will be fully compliant with ADO regulations, ensuring that those with disabilities are able to navigate the stairs by ramp or lift.”
-Sarah Girdwood, Marketing at LOB
Emmersun Austin says
Imagine buying a beer downtown beyond the LCBO & Beer Store. About time Ontario.
Chris Leawood says
This is excellent for many reasons. Competition and diversity come to mind. I will say this. Having talked to a plethora of people the general consensus is this. Make your pub as rustic and Irish/English as possible. Make it warm. Keep it simple and remember who your audience is. I hear it won’t have a kitchen. Just your regular deep fired pub food. That’s not a big deal. The game changer is your atmosphere and how you create it. If you don’t do these things we as a sort of pilot group says you will loose. Craft beers in the summer may work for you with the influx of townies. Remember that most people come to Muskoka for the view. This is why Cory is successful. He has both a good atmosphere and great view. If you want to complete with this make sure you bang the ‘feeling’ of you pub out of the park. Try and make space for live entertainment.
I’m hoping you guys have the ‘vision’ it takes to be a game changer in Huntsville.