Got Beer? Long Live Beerworks Opens

Cheers to Armando DeDona, who finally cut the ribbon at Long Live Beerworks, the first microbrewery in the capital city, on January 9. Head to 425 West Fountain Street for tastings and growlers of ’Nuff Said IPA, Black Cat Pale Ale, Milk Milk Stout, and other treats Wednesday – Friday from 4 – 9pm and on Saturday from 1 – 8pm.

At the grand opening event, a line stretched around the building – and master brewer DeDona stood outside with the waiting crowd (and checking IDs). Folks in line said they’d been waiting 90 minutes to reach the front and their Milk Milk Stouts.

“The pale ale and IPA were fantastic. And the growler size is perfect,” said customer Bill Parry, departing the packed venue with growlers in hand. The record for longest commute went to a couple who came from Dallas, Texas for the opening. Asked what they were expecting to experience, they said, “Good beer.”

We also talked to DeDona about the opening.

Motif: Is this more than you expected?

Armando DeDona: We didn’t expect this much. I’ve been very nervous leading up to this – there’s only room for 25 people at a time. So we’re hoping people have patience. But we’re also going to be open four days a week after this. So after today it should be pretty easy to come in, have a sample and pick up some beer.
It’s been a long journey. It began with the idea that I wanted to leave my job and do this full time. My wife and I started looking at ways to do that. We were looking at property in the outskirts, but then in Providence, last year, they changed the zoning so that a brewery could be in the city. So we found this spot – we’ve been building it out for about a year. It’s been a lot like spinning plates. I’m here 100 hours a week, so if anyone wants to drop by…

Motif: So it’s a part-time gig.

AD: Right.

Motif: How does it feel to be the first [production] brewery actually in Providence?

AD: It’s good – we’re the first one [production brewery] in 60 years. We didn’t want to be anywhere but Providence – we live just a few blocks away and we walk this area all the time already. We’re a neighborhood brewery, but we’re not just for the neighborhood. It’s an up and coming area, so we’re hoping for a lot of customer traffic.

“It’s nice to see this street happening – we’re excited about revival in general, and people starting up new businesses,” said two patrons, waiting patiently at the end of the daunting line. “It’s exciting.” ‘Nuff Said indeed.

** Ed. Note Motif considers Brewpubs and Breweries different types of businesses and in no way means to disregard the accomplishments of Union Station and Trinity Brewhouse. Union has been serving handcrafted beer since 1993 and Trinity brewpub opened in 1994, both in downtown Providence, and both are amazing instigators and supporters of the local craft beer community.