Beloved New England Brew To Open Highly-Anticipated Brewery and Taproom In Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (September 4, 2019) – Narragansett Beer is excited to announce the official acquisition of its new 18,000 square foot brewery and taproom in Providence, Rhode Island. Located on the India Point Park waterfront in the city’s Fox Point neighborhood, the building will be rehabilitated into an indoor taproom, outdoor beer garden, and special event space. ‘Gansett will be brewing a variety of longtime favorites alongside new, limited releases in a venue built to share its rich history and heritage with fans for generations to come.
“We could not be more excited about bringing brewing operations back to Rhode Island in such a perfect location!” says Mark Hellendrung, President of Narragansett Beer. “Since 1890, Narragansett has been Rhode Island’s beer. To have a brewery right at the top of Narragansett Bay, that’s easy to get to in Providence, and is connected to the picturesque India Point Park and the East Bay bike path is really a dream come true. As a kid, I lived a mile from the new brewery on Gano Street. I eventually moved across the river to East Providence and then returned to attend Brown University. This really feels like a homecoming for me. I can’t wait to add a new chapter to the already bursting Narragansett history books.”
Narragansett achieved a major milestone in May 2019 when the Providence zoning board approved permitting to brew beer at the site. With the official acquisition of the property last week, the brewery is scheduled to begin operation and open the outdoor beer garden in spring 2020, followed by the indoor taproom in the fall where ‘Gansett fans from New England and beyond can experience the brand’s beloved beers and iconic history.
Since first opening in 1890, the iconic New England brewer has experienced a storied history of tremendous highs and lows. Narragansett survived Prohibition by brewing porter by medicinal purposes and served as the official beer of the Boston Red Sox for 30 years. For decades, ‘Gansett reigned as the largest brewer and top selling beer in New England. After a series of acquisitions beginning in the 1970s, the relocation of production to Indiana, and demolition of the original Cranston brewery, ‘Gansett’s reputation was all but lost.
In 2005, lifelong Rhode Islander Mark Hellendrung and his team revived the company, rebuilding its reputation and resurrecting its national acclaim. Today, Narragansett Lager is the best–selling craft beer in Rhode Island and the brewery is the 32nd largest craft brewer in the United States.
In addition to its flagship Lager, ‘Gansett’s full stable of revered craft beers brewed with Rhode Island pride and heritage that will be available at the new brewery, including its Fresh Catch Golden Ale, seasonal offerings like Fest Marzen Lager and mash-ups with beloved regional brands including Del’s Lemon and Watermelon Shandy and Autocrat Coffee Milk stout. Narragansett is currently available in nineteen states primarily throughout the east coast and Washington, D.C.
