What’s Brewing: The Latest in Craft Beer News in Lower Fairfield County

At least 125 craft breweries across Connecticut have helped bring $753 million into the state’s economy, according to a 2023 report from the Brewers Association. In our region, there are at least seven craft breweries, and those breweries have continued to evolve, change, and grow over the past few years, growing to include event spaces, holiday markets, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the latest news out of the craft beer industry. 

SoNo Brewing Company Looks to Add Location at South Norwalk Train Station

Commuters in South Norwalk could soon have craft brews right at their fingertips, as SoNo Brewing Company is looking to take over more than 1,000 square feet of space on the New Haven-bound side of the station. 

“It's a really good opportunity to get that side of the train station … to give some amenities to the commuters that utilize the train station,” Bryan Lutz, Norwalk’s assistant director of parking, told the Land Use and Building Management of the Common Council in December. 

Lutz said they were looking to get a new tenant into the space that was occupied by Lobstercraft, which officially exited its lease in August. He said that Lobstercraft had “stopped operating at that location before COVID and they were using that space as a prep kitchen.” 

“We're really excited about the possibilities of getting a lease with this SoNo brew company, because we—really the Parking Authority—really likes the vision that they have, and we think it's a really good amenity to offer to the train station,” he said. 

The lease would be for 10 years with three options to extend for five years each, Lutz said, with the rent to be “negotiated and approved” by the Parking Authority. However, according to state regulations, because the station is a municipal building these types of lease also need Common Council approval. 

The Land Use and Building Management Committee will hold a public hearing in January on the potential agreement, and it will also be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Lock City Brewing Plans to Officially Reopen in Stamford

Following what new owners described as a “period of transition and some changes,” Lock City Brewing will officially be reopening in the coming weeks. 

“Lock City Brewing is officially reopening and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back through our doors!” a statement from the brewery reads. “We’ve been working tirelessly to get things back on track and better than ever—and now it’s getting close to celebrating with our amazing community.” 

The brewery is located at 54 Research Drive in Stamford and its website says there will be a “grand reopening party” in spring 2025. 

Half Full Brewery Closes Original Taproom to Build on Third Place Concept

In October, Half Full Brewery, which is based in Stamford and previously operated a tap room at 43 Homestead Avenue, as well as Third Place by Half Full, on Pacific Street, announced that it would be closing the original tap room—although it would still brew all of its beers. 

“With the success of our Half Full location/concept and the focus, energy and resources required to continue to build and expand it so we can ultimately add more locations, the time has come for us to part ways with our OG location and brewery,” the company said in a statement. 

Half Full officials said that they had “so many great times at this first location.”

“We grew up at this location and are extremely sad at the thought of no longer operating here but know that this could be an amazing home for another brewery or beverage production company,” their statement reads.

Third Place by Half Full aims to serve as a “third place outside of home and work,” according to the company. During the day, many people utilize it as a coworking space with coffee and breakfast options, while in the afternoons and evenings, it’s home to people looking to grab a drink—both beers brewed by Half Full as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It also has a large event space and special events, like holiday markets and live music. 

Spacecat Brewing Adds Event Space

In October, Spacecat Brewing Company announced that it was opening a private room—the Whisker Room—for customers to rent and hold events in. In addition, over the summer, the brewery announced the launch of its Whistleville Grille, a food truck run by the brewing company, which would serve hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches on site. 

Since opening in 2020 at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk, the brewery has grown to add events, such as goat yoga, live music, and partnerships with local businesses like Grumpy Dumpling Co., where attendees can learn how to make their own dumplings.