As we closed out 2019, everyone was looking forward to the future and what the next decade would bring. As our local craft beer scene continues to grow and evolve, many speculated this would be the year to expect the most change. Of course, no one expected we would be in the midst of a global pandemic that would shut down our economy and disrupt our daily lives in such dramatic fashion. However, the news is not all bad. Rochester’s craft breweries have quickly adapted by making their beer available “to-go” with new online ordering and curbside pick-up systems. A few breweries are even looking forward to the future with new expansion projects.

Toward the end of February, Roc Brewing announced their partnership with FLX Weinery of Dundee, N.Y., to embark on an ambitious expansion of the Union Street tasting room. Established in 2011, Roc was an early pioneer of the second wave of craft brewing in the city. FLX Weinery was established in in 2014 by by restauranteurs Christopher Bates and Isabel Bogadtke, part of a family of hospitality operations throughout the Finger Lakes region. Initially, Roc’s Chris Spinelli was bending Bates’ ear for suggestions on how to best use the space for their planned expansion. Those conversations turned into serious discussions about FLX expanding into Rochester for the first time. “We connected on a personal and cultural level,” Spinelli said.

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Rendering of the expanded tasting room by CJS Architects

The business of craft brewing is obviously built around sales. While it’s nice that distribution can make your beer available on the shelves at Wegmans, in the cooler of your favorite bottle shop, and at several bars around town, most breweries rely on direct tap room sales for the bulk of their revenue. While a limited food menu might be okay when you also have a small tasting room, the thought of expanding the kitchen to serve a larger dining room was a little daunting for the Roc crew. Rather than worry about managing an entire restaurant operation on their own, the partnership with FLX Weinery means Spinelli can concentrate solely on producing great craft beer while Bates brings his world-class dining experience to Rochester.

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The old tasting room at Roc Brewing on Union Street

As the land previously occupied by the Inner Loop is turned over to development, the neighborhood is preparing for explosive growth. Spinelli began thinking about the future years ago, realizing they were starting to outgrow their existing tasting room. If they wanted to remain in the neighborhood, they would need to grow. “We’re raising the bar,” Spinelli said, “and elevating the customer experience thanks to FLX and all they bring to the table.” This is no understatement as Bates’ FLX Table in Geneva was named USA Today’s Best New Restaurant in America in 2017. The proposed menu of “elevated” hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, and fries makes the perfect compliment to Roc’s robust line-up of craft beer. “We want to maintain our family style and continue to be very welcoming to everyone in the community. We’re looking forward to pairing great food from FLX with our beer.” Spinelli says customers should also expect to enjoy a larger selection of Roc beers on tap along with wine and cocktails.

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Getting a tour back in February of the new space Roc Brewing and FLX Weinery will occupy

So with FLX Weinery handling the food and the day-to-day operation of the tap room and food service, does that mean the Roc crew will fade into the background? “Maybe you won’t see us behind the bar,” Spinelli explained, “but Nick [Mesrobian], Ashley [McCaffrey], and myself will still be at the brewery every day.” Look for more events to be scheduled both at the bewery and off-site featuring opportunities to interact with the brewers and expand Roc’s footprint within the craft community.

When the project was first announced, Spinelli imagined the construction crews would be working around customers, completing the new expanded space before shutting down the old tap room for renovation. With stay-at-home orders in place across New York State since mid-March, construction has been progressing at a breakneck pace. At the beginning of April, all of the old walls had been removed and drainpipes were being installed in the concrete floor. Spinelli was aiming towards a June opening, which just might be on track with relaxed restrictions proposed for upstate businesses.

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Construction is in full swing on April 17. The kitchen and beer cooler will be toward the rear.

Across town in Fairport, the Faircraft Brauhaus project continues to move forward. Located in the old American Can Co. complex, the 8,500 sq. ft. brewery and restaurant is just down “Cannery Row” from Iron Smoke Distillery and Triphammer Bierwerks. Founders Matthias West and Jeff Reimer joined forces with head brewer Steve Landgren (formerly of Fairport Brewing) to cement the concept of a brewery to anchor the neighborhood between Parce Avenue and the train tracks. A key component of the new brewery is the frontage on Main Street that will be home to a large outdoor patio. Beers will be brewed on a 3.5 barrel pilot batch system.

 

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The new brewing system installed at Faircraft Brauhaus

Before the outbreak of COVID-19 forced everyone to stay home to slow down the rate of infection, Faircraft Brauhaus was targeting a May 9 opening. While the opening date has been pushed back, everyone is still getting ready for a possible “soft open” or curbside service pending the reopening of the state’s bars and restaurants.

 

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The new Peacemaker Brewing location at 39 Coach Street in Canandaigua

Another bright spot is just down the road in Canandaigua. Last year, Peacemaker Brewing moved out of their original space next door to the Busy Bee Brew Pub on Pleasant Street (formerly home to Twisted Rail and now home to Square Knot Brewing), with an eye toward expansion. The new location at 39 Coach Street has been transformed over the last year and is nearly complete. Head brewer Todd Reardon is looking forward to opening as soon as possible as soon as permits are filed.

“We plan to have ten beers on tap, along with cider, wine, and local spirits,” said Reardon. Arizona based rock n’ roll band Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers is the inspiration behind the name of the brewery, so you know Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine Tequila will also be a featured menu item. A light food menu consisting of paninis, cheese boards, charcuterie, soups, and soft pretzels will also be available. “We are shooting for a May reopening date,”Reardon said, “But that may get pushed back to a soft opening for pick-up service instead.”

While we have all experienced tremendous upheaval in our daily lives over the last several weeks, it is encouraging to see our local craft beer industry come up with creative solutions and even keep one eye to the future. Like you, I’m also looking forward to the day when coronavirus is in the rear view, and we can all meet up again for a pint at our favorite establishments. Know also that Rochester’s breweries are looking forward to that day, too.

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