Derby brewery honored for turning something old into something new

Connecticut Economic Resource Center President and CEO Robert Santy, left, with and Bad Sons Beer Co.co-owner John Walsh Connecticut Economic Resource Center President and CEO Robert Santy, left, with and Bad Sons Beer Co.co-owner John Walsh Photo: Naugatuck Valley Council Of Governments Photo: Naugatuck Valley Council Of Governments Image 1 of / 126 Caption Close Derby brewery honored for turning something old into something new 1 / 126 Back to Gallery

DERBY — Who knew a few years ago that a 109-year old former factory could be transformed into the thriving brewery and tap room that has since become the Valley’s Bad Sons Beer Co.

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center certainly knows that the work to turn the contaminated Brownfield site at 251 Roosevelt Drive into the popular brewery was no small feat. And for that, CERC recently presented Bad Sons with a “Celebrate CT!” award for its success in repurposing a former industrial property.

Bad Sons co-owner John Walsh recently accepted the award during CERC’s annual “Celebrate CT!” ceremony at Infinity Hall in Hartford. CERC President/CEO Robert Santy presented Walsh with the award. The ceremony, annually held since 2010, honors economic development successes throughout the state. Santy was not available for comment Wednesday.

“It is great to be recognized for revitalizing a vacant industrial building and turning it into a thriving destination in Derby,” Walsh said Wednesday. “It also validates that the program the state offers to help turn around Brownfield sites is a successful program.”

Valley-born and raised brothers Mark and Bill DaSilva drew inspiration for naming the brewery and tasting room from the “history and true grit of the location,” using the first letters of Valley towns: Beacon Falls, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck and Shelton.

Bad Sons opened its doors in July 2017 in a renovated factory that formerly housed the Manger Die Casting Co. The interior was gutted, keeping the historic red brick walls and exposed wood-beam ceiling. The brothers added a large rectangular polished-wood bar and matching tables and stools, as well as the stainless-steel brewing system.

The outside area boasts a grass patio area with additional seating and a fire pit.

Renovations were given a boost with an $85,000 grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Walsh and his partners had their eyes on the property for some time and knew it was the right location to realize their dreams.

“We have always said that this building that was built in 1909 had to be a brewery, but we just didn’t know it at the time,” said Walsh.

Mayor Richard Dziekan, a fan of the local brewery, couldn’t be happier for Bad Sons being recognized at the state level, and its owners for all they accomplished.

“It’s absolutely beautiful in there,” Dziekan said. They did a fabulous job. The fact that the land is completely clean is amazing. They could sell the property with no restrictions. I'm glad to see programs like the Brownfield program actually work. I wish them the best and continued success.”

jean.sos@snet.net