Even though their hands are full with a renovation project at the former Mahar’s Public Bar (Madison Pour House), BM&T Management is also excited to get approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals for its seventh project: The Beer Belly.

Joe Hinners, kitchen manager at BM&T’s Junior’s Bar and Grill in Albany, has been in the BM&T family for decades and will partner with the company to open the craft beer tasting room this fall.



The Beer Belly will be located at 281 New Scotland Avenue in Albany right next to Midtown Tap and Tea Room and Capital City Gastropub.

We got to speak with one of the owners, Brian Viglucci, who is patiently waiting for city approval to move forward. WIth the beer and wine license for Beer Belly already approved, Viglucci is hoping to get the lease and begin the project November 1.

“The Beer Belly is similar to our new Madison Pour House, but the difference will be a retail section for customers to try different beers and cheeses and be able to buy to-go bottled beers and snacks,” explains Viglucci.

Hinners had been working with BM&T for 20 years when he approached them with the idea for The Beer Belly.

“This will be our first-ever partner besides the main BM&T group,” explains Viglucci. “Hinners found the location and we fell in love with it. This will be a great fit for the neighborhood.” Hinners will partner with BM&T Management owned by Brian Viglucci, Michael Viglucci, and Tony Lounello.

The group hired Dan Sanders, president of Harris A. Sanders Architects, and area designer Deborah Bohl for the re-do on the old photo store location. ”

We want the place to be fun, sophisticated; something classier than a normal bar and grill. Something cool with a funky edgy feel to it,” says Viglucci. “When you go to a restaurant it should be an experience, there should be a show with it, whether the music, lighting or the bar. People go out to have a good time and socialize.”

BM&T and Hinners hope to take over the new lease by November 1 and open right after the new year.

BM&T Management’s resume of Albany establishments include The Point, Cafe Madison, Junior’s, Madison Pour House, and Spinners Pizza.