New Facility Will Triple Craft Beer Production, Encourage Year-Round Visitation
Supports New York State’s Dynamic Craft Beverage Industry
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Empire State Development (ESD) today celebrated the grand opening of Common Roots Brewing Company’s new $3.6 million, 10,000 square foot expansion in South Glens Falls, Saratoga County. The Saratoga Avenue location includes a new barrel-aged beer production facility, increased storage capacity and a 200-person, four-season event space and beer garden. The expanded facility will not only serve as a destination for the region but will also create jobs and allow Common Roots to continue improve its production efficiencies and market share.
"Common Roots Brewing Company has had a tremendous impact on the local economy and tourism in this area, quickly becoming a destination in Saratoga county," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who attended the ribbon cutting. "New York is proud to support this local business and proud to continue to invest in the Capital Region."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Since planting their own roots in South Glens Falls ten years ago, Common Roots has grown and flourished to become a community pillar and a craft beer destination for residents and visitors alike. This expansion is a testament to the brewery's dedication and commitment to creating a world-class product that is enjoyed and appreciated throughout the northeast, fueling new interest and growth in the New York State's craft beverage industry."
Common Roots Brewing Company Co-Founder and President Christian Weber said, "We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to expand our business and create more opportunities for growth right here in Upstate New York. The support that we received from Empire State Development and the Hochul administration has helped us achieve our dream to create and grow a sustainable business right here in the community we love."
Common Roots has grown dramatically since its inception in 2013, expanding from three employees and 500 barrels in its first year, to more than employees and 10,000 barrels annually. A devastating 2019 fire destroyed the brewery's original facility, and a new state of the art brewery was designed and constructed on the site, and operational just 14 months after the fire. The new 30-barrel brewing system tripled the capacity of the original brewery and a new taproom includes a full-service restaurant.
Common Roots has continued to grow, and the new taproom’s popularity surpassed expectations. The company has steadily increased its market share and presence in the Northeast and is now ranked among the top percentage of craft breweries in the country. Common Roots products are available in cans and on-tap in seven Northeastern states, plus a limited presence in Canada. This new expansion helps Common Roots continue to meet growing demand for its products and continue to be a destination for local residents and visitors to the region.
To support the expansion, Empire State Development awarded Common Roots a $250,000 capital grant, and up to $200,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council. Common Roots has committed to creating eight new full-time jobs and retaining its 26 existing full-time employees.
CREDC Co-Chairs Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President, President of Wealth Management and Regional President at NBT Bank, and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President, said, “We are proud to support the expansion of a local business that reflects and builds on New York State’s dynamic craft beverage industry. Common Roots is a great example of our investment in a company that will grow the local economy and also offer a taste of the Capital Region's signature strengths throughout the Northeast and beyond.”
New York State Brewers Association Executive Director, Paul Leone said, “Thanks to a favorable legislative environment and continued support from the Governor's office, Common Roots is able to expand even more to meet the rising demand for their great beer. The brewing industry in strong in New York State, and this expansion is not only great for the craft beer lovers in the Saratoga region, but all over the state and beyond.”
New York State is home to more than 535 breweries, a national leader according to the New York State Brewers Association. Its 2018 study reports that breweries in New York generate an economic impact of $5.4 billion and support more nearly 20,000 jobs, making the craft beverage industry a pillar of the state’s economy. New York also ranks in the top five in the U.S. for its number of craft beverage producers in every category. second in craft distillers and breweries, and fourth in the country for the total number of wineries.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law a package of legislation that will improve New York's laws related to alcoholic beverages in an effort to expand options for consumers and support New York's small businesses in the alcoholic beverage sector. Legislation S.5731/A.6941 allows for the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on any day of the week including Sundays. Legislation S.2854/A.7305 allows liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday hours so that they may open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Legislation S.6443/A.6134 extends the length of validity of a brewer’s license from one year to three years. Legislation S.3364A/A.2902 allows for businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines. Legislation S.3567A/A.6050A allows retail stores to sell complementary gift and promotional items related to wine and spirit sales. Legislation S.6993A/A.7688 adds parcels of land to the list of premises which are exempt from the provisions of law which generally restrict manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers from sharing an interest in a liquor license.
State Senator James Tedisco said, "Common Roots Brewing's opening is an exciting development for South Glens Falls and the Town of Moreau and will bring jobs and further economic expansion to the 44th Senate District. Thanks to the Governor and Empire State Development for their support on this initiative."
Assembly Member Carrie Woerner said, "Common Roots is a leader in the craft beer industry and a true example of good corporate citizenship. This new expansion is an investment in the growth of Common Roots, but also a commitment by the Common Roots family, including Bert, Christian and Robin, to helping build the local community."
Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chair Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. said, "Saratoga County and the Town of Moreau proudly celebrate Common Roots Brewing Company’s expansion in South Glens Falls. Common Roots has been a Saratoga County staple since its taproom opened in 2014 and we are thankful they’ve chosen to rebuild here in our community after their devastating fire. Saratoga County is committed to promoting fiscally responsible policies that support strong economic growth countywide and Common Roots Brewing Company’s decision to rebuild and expand here is proof that we are open for business."
South Glens Falls Mayor Nicholas Bodkin said, "Economic development is always a priority for small communities, and Common Roots has become a cornerstone of an expansive movement of tourism and commerce in the Village of South Glens Falls. Their continued success and growth is a testament to their commitment to realizing their vision of making our community a great place to enjoy lasting memories with friends and families from around the country. Empire State Development’s investment in our community is essential to help foster growth and prosperity in a small bedroom community, and I am hopeful to see further investments in our Village to continue to build upon the accomplishments that have already been made."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087
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