BURLINGTON -- The state's first cooperative brewpub gives tours Friday of its new location and unveils launch plans.
Burlington Beer Works Co-op announced it's moving into a former historic downtown jewelry store that's partially finished
“It's definitely obviously a little rough right now,” said Daryl Ludwig who took a tour.
Through peeling wallpaper and unfinished construction, Ludwig said it has potential.
The idea behind the co-op is to have a brewery and restaurant owned by the community. This initiative started two years ago and has more than 1,000 owners including Ludwig invested in the business.
It's part of an effort to revitalize and strengthen the downtown community.
"So the challenge we've always faced in downtown Burlington is how do you get enough foot traffic to keep a business open,” said Burlington Beer Works Co-op board president, Ian Baltutis. “So we said, we could open just a normal brewpub but it might not survive. So we decided if we do it as a co-op, we have that many community members invested in the success of the business."
The 8,000 square foot building has two floors and a rooftop area. Blue prints show a full kitchen, a five barrel brewing system, a home brewing classroom and seating.
Tours allowed owners who visited the building to also give their input to the board.
"We want their suggestions for how best to pull it together,” Baltutis said.
This will be the third cooperative brewpub in the nation when it opens next year. To invest in the business click here.