Quincy is on the verge of a craft beer renaissance as Break Rock Brewery prepares to open its doors in Marina Bay this December. Co-owners James Southwood and Vilija Bizinkauskas are bringing their extensive brewing expertise to a city that has been without a brewery for far too long, promising a welcoming space for both seasoned beer aficionados and newcomers alike.
“We want people to feel a sense of Quincy pride when they’re here,” Southwood explained. “Break Rock Brewery is going to be a warm, inviting spot where everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re just starting to explore IPAs or you’re a dedicated craft beer enthusiast.”
This week, Break Rock Brewery secured its license, paving the way for the transformation of their Marina Bay location into a brewery and taproom. The venue is currently under construction and is designed to accommodate 240 patrons indoors, with an additional 18 seats on the patio. Brewing, sales, and on-site consumption will all take place in an open-concept area that Southwood envisions as a hub of entertainment, complete with classic games like Pop-A-Shot basketball and Skee-ball, and a nod to nostalgia with 1980s-style arcade games.
Southwood and Bizinkauskas are not new to the craft beer scene. Their paths crossed nearly a decade ago during a brewery internship, and they’ve been immersed in the industry ever since. Southwood’s recent role as head brewer at Mayflower Brewing in Plymouth, coupled with Bizinkauskas’ experience at Cape Cod Beer and Vermont’s Drop In Brewing, lays a solid foundation for Break Rock’s brewing operations.
Initially, Break Rock Brewery will feature eight beers on tap, with the capacity to expand to 16 in the future. Southwood emphasized a customer-focused approach to their beer selection. “We’re not trying to revolutionize brewing,” he stated. “Our focus is on brewing beers that are both popular and that we genuinely enjoy drinking ourselves. We aim to offer a diverse range of styles and are keen to incorporate customer feedback into our brewing decisions.”
Southwood’s vision for Break Rock Brewery began to take shape in 2014, with Quincy emerging as the ideal location between 2016 and 2017. Despite the challenges of a competitive real estate market and the complexities of the pandemic, their commitment to Quincy never wavered.
“It’s astonishing that Quincy, a city of 100,000 people and the largest in New England without a brewery, has been without a local brewery for so long,” Southwood, a Marshfield native now residing in Weymouth, pointed out. “Quincy’s strong neighborhoods and passionate community were a major draw. The city’s diverse population, encompassing both blue-collar and white-collar workers, and its positive trajectory made it the perfect place for Break Rock Brewery.”
As the build-out progresses, Southwood is dedicated to weaving Quincy’s rich history into the brewery’s atmosphere. Plans include incorporating historical photographs and elements that pay tribute to the city’s granite quarrying and shipbuilding heritage. There’s even a possibility of introducing a series of beers named after Quincy’s distinctive neighborhoods, further cementing Break Rock Brewery’s connection to its home.
“We’re really trying to give a nod to Quincy in every way we can,” Southwood affirmed. “Our goal is to cultivate a strong community here and become an integral part of the Quincy fabric. Break Rock Brewery aims to be more than just a brewery; it’s about creating a local experience.”
Mark your calendars for December, as Break Rock Brewing is poised to become Quincy’s premier craft beer destination, offering a unique blend of quality brews, engaging entertainment, and a genuine sense of local pride.
