Worcester, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Wormtown Brewery is renovating its Shrewsbury Street taproom, adding 4,500 square feet to create a total of 10,000 square feet. The brewery, recently acquired by Hendler Family Brewing Co., aims to enhance customer experience with a more spacious design, including a restaurant-like atmosphere, a lounge area, and plans for distilling. The brewery remains committed to its Worcester roots, and the grand reopening will celebrate both the renovation and its 11th anniversary.
Worcester – Wormtown Brewery is undergoing a significant renovation of its Shrewsbury Street taproom, which has been closed since July 3, 2024. The expansion project is designed to add approximately 4,500 square feet to the existing space, bringing the total taproom size to around 10,000 square feet. This closure was pre-planned as part of the brewery’s efforts to enhance its offerings and customer experience.
The renovation follows the acquisition of Wormtown Brewery by the Hendler Family Brewing Co., which also owns Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers. The brewery has remained a staple in Worcester since its original taproom opened over 16 years ago in 2010. Despite some speculation online regarding a possible move from its longtime home at 72 Shrewsbury St., a representative confirmed that the brewery is not relocating but instead upgrading its facilities.
The construction is intended to create a more spacious, restaurant-like environment by taking down and rebuilding a brick wall behind the bar. Currently, the work is ongoing, and updates on the reopening date are expected soon. Key members of the production team have relocated to Framingham following the sale, but Wormtown’s beer production has maintained its consistency and lineup, with only minor adjustments to packaging and release schedules.
In the meantime, Wormtown’s Foxboro taproom has seen increased business during the Shrewsbury Street closure. The Foxboro location opens at 10 a.m. during Patriots home games, accommodating thousands of fans, with special food offerings like hot dogs, burgers, and bratwurst. The flagship beer, Be Hoppy, has gained popularity among game attendees, and the Foxboro taproom features multiple TVs broadcasting NFL games and the RedZone channel.
Wormtown’s General Manager has expressed gratitude for the Hendler family’s commitment to revitalizing the brand while maintaining its quality. The new taproom design in Worcester will include blue and white stained glass windows, a ‘Barrel Loft’ lounge area, and a second floor set to offer a relaxed atmosphere with foosball tables and room for other games. Additionally, Wormtown has announced plans to incorporate distilling alongside brewing in the new space, along with a kitchen and partnerships with local restaurants for pop-up events.
The renovation project aims to celebrate both Worcester and the Wormtown brand through murals and decor throughout the taproom. The grand opening of the newly renovated Shrewsbury Street location will coincide with Wormtown’s 11th anniversary, showcasing its commitment to evolving with the craft beer scene in Worcester while offering a diverse experience for its patrons.
Key Features of the Renovation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size Expansion | Additional 4,500 square feet, totaling 10,000 square feet |
| Construction | Rebuilding of brick wall to create a restaurant-like space |
| Design Elements | Blue and white stained glass, lounge area, second-floor game room |
| New Offerings | Distilling alongside brewing, kitchen, and local restaurant collaborations |
| Community Focus | Murals and decor celebrating Worcester and the Wormtown brand |
| Opening Date | Grand opening coincides with Wormtown’s 11th birthday |
FAQ
What is happening with the Wormtown Brewery taproom on Shrewsbury Street?
The taproom is undergoing a major renovation and is currently closed. The expansion will increase the taproom’s total size to approximately 10,000 square feet.
Why was the taproom closed?
The closure was planned as part of the construction project to enhance the taproom experience for customers.
Who currently owns Wormtown Brewery?
Wormtown Brewery is owned by the Hendler Family Brewing Co., which also owns Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers.
What can we expect from the renovated taproom?
The new space will feature a larger, restaurant-like area, a lounge, a second floor with games, and plans for distilling alongside brewing.
When will the renovated taproom open?
The grand opening is expected to coincide with Wormtown’s 11th birthday, but exact dates will be announced soon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Telegram: Beyond Beer Amid Construction, Something’s Brewing at Wormtown
- Wikipedia: Wormtown Brewery
- Boston Magazine: Wormtown Brewery at Patriot Place
- Google Search: Wormtown Brewery
- MassLive: Wormtown Brewery’s New Worcester Taproom
- Google Scholar: Wormtown Brewery
- MassLive: Meet the New Wormtown Brewery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wormtown Brewery
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