SOMERVILLE, NJ - Somerset County's first microbrewery will be the centerpiece of a restaurant, taproom, and entertainment emporium that will open in downtown Somerville at the former location of the Somerville Antiques Center, which had taken over the space of the former Woolworth's department store on Main Street.

Village Brewing Company will serve seasonal craft beers and progressive American-Style cuisine.

The 8,400-square-foot space will feature a 180-seat upscale casual restaurant and a 30-seat bar and tap room with an open design kitchen and glass enclosed brew house. Large stainless steel brewing kettles and fermentation tanks will add to the industrial chic décor.

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Seasonal menus will include locally-sourced ingredients for a farm-to-table atmosphere and a selection of eight to ten in-house brewed craft beers will change monthly.

Wine and spirits will also be served.

“The restaurant will be an upbeat, vibrant place for the community to enjoy great craft beers and high-quality food made with fresh, local ingredients,” said Scott Eadie, co-owner and general manager. “We’ll provide a warm, comfortable environment and an affordable menu that will include everything from steaks and chops to sandwiches, salads and specials. Our craft brews will keep beer lovers coming back to sample our latest specialty recipes or savor their regular favorites.”

The restaurant will provide à la carte, private and semi-private dining. Future plans call for the renovation of the lower floor into the “Village Square,” another 8,400 square feet of space that will serve as a local performing arts center, as well as a banquet and event facility.

Village Brewing Company has signed the lease with Somerville Partners, LLC. According to Mark Hay, a co-owner of the property, $1.5 million will be invested in a renovation of the building and its façade to include architectural enhancements and an area for outdoor dining. The upper floors will be reintroduced as modern loft office space.





Gary Frank, co-owner, president and CEO of Village Brewing Company, will spearhead the interior construction of the restaurant and brew house. A mechanical contractor, Frank has a long history of building breweries, among other large projects.

“Downtown Somerville is really a hot spot and the place to be,” said Iris Frank, co-owner and director of business development and banquet services. “We considered several towns in New Jersey for our brewpub, but in the end it was an easy decision. There is such a strong sense of community and a cool vibe to the downtown. We’ve watched the amazing transformation of Somerville and the ongoing commitment to enhancing the entire downtown experience,” she said.

Final plans are still in the review process, but the Village Brewing management team expects to open in the summer of 2018.

The new brewpub will employ approximately 70 people