Sergio Bonavita, brewmaster at The Westfield River Brewing Company, appeared before the The Board of Selectmen who act as the Liquor Commission, requesting the issuance of a new license, Farmer-Breweries, Farmer Wineries & Farm Distilleries for the relocation of his business at 707 College Highway in Southwick. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Westfield River Brewing Company got the final go-ahead from the Southwick Board of Selectmen last night.
The board unanimously approved all licenses needed for the brewery to operate in its new location at 707 College Highway, best known as the former Chuck’s Steak House.
Now that the local licenses, including Farmer’s Brewers, Farmer’s Winery, and Farmer’s Distillery licenses, have been granted, owner Sergio Bonavita just needs approval from the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. Once approved, the brewery will open to the public.
Several weeks ago Bonavita and his investors – all family members – met with the board and said they would like to be open daily from 12-10 p.m. The brewery is set to have six to 10 beers on tap and would sell pints and offer free two-ounce samples for on-site consumption, as well as the sale of six-packs and growler fills for off-site consumption.
Bonavita said he would be brewing throughout the day and would run the daily operations. At this time, he does not foresee the need for hired employees and added that his family would work at the brewery and all are TIPS certified.
Bonavita hopes customers will enjoy the tasting bar and learn about the company’s offerings, which would include homegrown hops as some of the ingredients.
“Our objective is to have people come in and educate them about our product while they enjoy it,” Bonavita said.
Once the ABCC approval is granted, Bonavita plans to open quickly, and is hopeful he will be open in October. Also on site is a home brewer’s supply shop.
