MILFORD, Conn. — Milford Point Brewing Company — the city’s first craft brewery, which opened earlier this year — received unanimous approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board to expand its operations.
The expansion effort, taking place less than one year after opening, will double the size of the brewery — both in size and production— according to co-owners Jerry Candido and Chris Willett.
“Receiving approval to expand is a tremendous boon for our business,” said Willett. “Cheers to the Planning and Zoning Board, Mayor Blake, and to our customers in Milford — and beyond — who hopefully will continue to enjoy our locally brewed craft beers in our expanded space.”
Since opening in April 2018, the brewery — which features a small taste room and growler-filling room in the front where customers can sample and buy beer for off-site consumption — has been unable to sell by the glass. Milford Point also distributes to more than one-dozen local establishments in Milford and beyond. And, the brewery has added two new fermenters, doubling production capacity.
Now, with the approval from Milford’s planning and zoning board last night, once construction is complete, the brewery will double in physical size, featuring a brand new taproom with traditional brewery games for entertainment.
“We’re a local brewery that has always aimed to serve great-tasting craft beer to folks in Milford, and then branch out from there,” said Candido. “The support we’ve received from the community, our customers, and business and elected leaders across the city, has been humbling. We’re looking forward to embarking on this phase of growth, and most importantly, continuing to put forth a great product for our customers, the city, and beyond.”
At the Milford Planning and Zoning hearing that took place on Tuesday night, several local business leaders and community members testified in favor of the project.
One of the business leaders, Bob Chicoine, who is a co-owner of the soon-to-be-developed Dockside Brewing Company, a waterfront biergarten, and brewpub in the city’s Devon-neighborhood, applauded the brewery — and the craft brewing industry — for its positive impact on the city and state.