Marlborough wants downtown brewpub

PHOTO/WBJ FILE Jack's Abby brewery in Framingham recently opened a restaurant. Now, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation is hoping to bring something similar downtown.

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By Laura Finaldi

Brewpubs are already common in places like Denver, Raleigh and the Twin Cities, and there are even a few in Massachusetts. Now, Marlborough wants to get in on the action.

Citing Marlborough’s growing status as a place where people live, work, and play the Marlborough Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) said a brewpub could be successful downtown, and it’s working to bring one in.

The economic development agency said Tuesday it bought a print advertisement in the May issue of BeerAdvocate, a well-regarded industry magazine and the only monthly beer publication that circulates in the U.S., in hopes of bringing a brewpub downtown. MEDC has also launched a dedicated “Brewpub Wanted” webpage, which cites Marlborough’s location and economic vitality, as well as availability of liquor licenses, financial assistance and space as reasons to bring a brewpub to the MetroWest town.

A brewpub is a restaurant that serves beer brewed on-premises. The Gardner Ale House is considered a brewpub in that North County downtown. East of Worcester, Maynard has Battle Road Brewing Co.

“We are now focusing our efforts on creating and expanding Marlborough’s recreation and entertainment offerings, so people don’t have to leave the city to find places to relax and unwind,” Meredith Harris, the executive director of MEDC, said in a statement. “A brewpub would be an ideal addition to our downtown and would be a tremendous boon to the area, which would ultimately benefit all of the local businesses and residents.”