Worcester Business Journal

12 Worcester Business Journal | November 16, 2026 | wbjournal.com BY TANNER STENING Special to WBJ C entral Massachusetts brewers are gearing up for one of the year's busiest stretches — even as the cra beer industry copes with continued contraction. Sam Hendler, co-owner of Jack's Abby Cra Lagers and president of the brewery's parent company, has managed those headwinds by doubling down on "our core competency," which is running a scaled cra beer production facility. Hendler acknowledged the difficulties facing the industry — but suggested it isn't all doom and gloom. e family's high- volume brewing operation has found efficiencies by increasing production and spreading operating costs across a larger volume of beer. Jack's Abby has approximately tripled its production by acquiring Worcester-based Wormtown Brewery in 2024 and Everett-based Night Shi Brewing in 2025, all the while expanding its contract brewing business, which produces beer for other brewers, Hendler said. All three businesses were "very stressed" prior to the acquisitions, he said. "e combination has really helped stabilize our business and those brands," Hendler said. For Ted Twinney, co-founder and manager of Start Line Brewing based in Hopkinton, 2026 has signaled a return to growth aer several years of decline. He attributes the success to the company's customer loyalty initiatives, a stronger calendar of public events and a steady stream of new beer releases. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the brewery operates a taproom in Hopkinton and sells its beer in nearly 200 retail stores and bars. It also recently launched a mug club for 150 loyal customers, offering discounted drinks, special events and targeted outreach to encourage repeat visits. "We just keep innovating," he said. "We're dropping a new beer or two every month, in addition to our regular offerings." e COVID-19 pandemic marked a major turning point for the industry, drastically disrupting brewery operations and reshaping consumer habits. Companies also point to competition from the recreational marijuana industry and sports Central Mass. cra breweries face a shakeout Some are finding ways to grow WBJ FILE PHOTO Sam Hendler, Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

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