CENTER STREET BREWING CO.

It’s a beautiful thing when a brand new brewery and taproom opens walking distance from where you live. That’s the feeling my wife Jenn and I experienced Saturday March 9th when Center Street Brewing Co. had their soft opening. Co-owner and brewmaster Peter Ford (his brother Tim is his partner) has transformed  an abandoned building in downtown Wallingford into a vibrant and welcoming space. That Saturday the brothers invited family and friends to celebrate their hard work and vision. Their hard work was evident throughout. The decor had a rustic barn feel and the whole room felt homey. The tables and bar were all constructed with Connecticut wood and the beer rail along the wall from wood from Sleeping Giant State Park destroyed during the storm.

Since this was more of a party and procedural dry run the beer selection was limited to four brews. On Center Street‘s opening set for the weekend of March 30th there will be a wider variety of drafts

I spoke to Peter Ford for a few moments and was really impressed with his enthusiasm and friendliness. I asked him where the idea of Center Street came from and he said it has been a six year labor of love. He wanted to create a brewery and taproom with its own special identity. He went on to explain how he wants Center Street to be a viable component of the community.

When I asked how he felt the Brewery’s influence would be on Wallingford’s downtown he answered he hoped Center Street will be a convenient place for the Wallingford community to meet and feel comfortable. He wants his patrons to feel like friends as opposed to customers. And that’s for anyone who walks through the door.

We spoke about some of his goals and aspirations. On opening day he is hoping to have six or seven brews on tap. His ultimate goal is to have ten standard beers with several specialty concoctions introduced periodically. He has a canning machine and plans to sell cans through the taproom. He also hopes eventually to have Center Street represented in select bars and restaurants throughout the state and beyond. Somewhere in the future Ford intends to introduce music nights showcasing up and coming local musicians.

Center Street will be a integral component of the Wallingford downtown scene. The brothers Ford have created a warm and friendly establishment that will make any Wallingford resident proud. Looking forward to a long and successful run for Tom and Tim. They deserve it.

CENTER STREET BREWING CO.

25 WALLACE AVENUE

WALLINGFORD, CT 06492

info@centerstreetbrewing.com

PETER FORD-BREWMASTER

 

 

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