Worcester Business Journal

10 Worcester Business Journal | Fact Book 2017 | wbjournal.com M e t r o W e s t R E G I O N S MassDevelopment provides financing and real estate solutions to hundreds of projects across Massachusetts. Our collaborations create jobs, revitalize communities, and stimulate the economy. Visit MassDevelopment.com or call 800.445.8030 and ask to speak to one of our economic development professionals. @MassDev Supporting projects Supporting projects Supporting projects that create jobs and that create jobs and that create jobs and boost the economy. boost the economy. boost the economy. That's t That's t That's the way to he way to he way to That's the way to That's t That's t That's the way to That's the way to That's the way to That's t That's t That's the way to That's t grow. grow. grow. The Lofts at City Place, Leominster SCHOTT, Southbridge Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester KHJ23987_MAS-258_2017_PrintAd_Brand_9x5.5_MECH.indd 1 11/10/17 12:46 PM Brewing in downtown Framingham BY GRANT WELKER Worcester Business Journal News Editor S ix years after its founding, Jack's Abby Craft Lagers has grown to ship beer throughout New England, New York and eastern Pennsylvania. Last year, it brewed 34,000 barrels. Even though a great majority of its beer is sold off-site, Jack's Abby's biggest impact may be in its own neighborhood in downtown Framingham. The 130,000-square-foot brewery and tap- room has become an attraction for beer fanatics just a half-mile from the Framingham commuter rail station. It's a far cry from the brewery's origi- nal 12,000-square-foot space in an industrial area on Morton Street, with only 500 square feet set aside for a small tasting room. Even then, "people showed up," said Sam Handler, one of three brothers who owns and runs Jack's Abby. A 2013 law change allowing full pints to be served on site was definitely a turning point, Handler added. The new space opened in 2015 on Clinton Street. "We definitely took a bigger step than we intended," Handler said with a laugh. The brothers took a business risk that's worked. Jack Handler, a profes- sional brewer, talked his brothers, Eric, who was working in commodities trad- ing, and Sam, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Vermont, to come on board. Now, Jack handles the brewing, Eric the finances and Sam the sales and mar- keting. While Jack's Abby has created a draw for visitors in downtown Framingham, it also remains focused on distribution. The brewer, which specializes in lagers, is unique for how much of its sales take place off-site: 95 percent, Sam said. Next year, the company plans to begin distributing Springdale, a separate and more experimental beer label in the same building, specializing in sour and barrel-aged beers. Even with a spike in microbreweries across the area, Jack's Abby has a the- more-the-merrier attitude, Sam said. "The reality is, there is space for more brewers," he said. "It's just a fun experi- ence who gets people into beer who otherwise might never be drinking beer." (Right) Jack's Abby founders and brothers (from left) Eric, Jack and Sam Hendler. (Below) The brewery's crew gathers at its new space in downtown Framingham. W

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