
Berkley’s Fieldwork Brewing to Open Taproom in Midtown
Source: The Sacramento Bee
Fieldwork Brewing, which exploded on the craft beer scene in the Bay Area a year ago and rose to lofty heights among aficionados, has signed a deal to open a taproom in midtown Sacramento.
The new branch is considered a significant step in the city’s burgeoning beer scene and a contribution to its growing reputation as a craft beer hotbed.
“Sacramento is a fantastic city. We heard it over and over again that the craft beer community there is sophisticated and engaged,” said Fieldwork co-founder Barry Braden. “We thought it would be a great fit for us.”
The lease, signed last week and confirmed by Fieldwork on Thursday, is for a 1,434 square-foot space at 1850 Capitol Ave. It’s on a bustling block in the Handle District, nestled between two popular restaurants, Zocalo and Press Bistro.
“I loved it from the first time I looked at it. We feel comfortable in that spot,” Braden said of the long, narrow space, which previously had been used by Zocalo for storage. “The walkability, the bike-ability, the amount of people who live within a small radius of that area makes it a good fit for what we are trying to do.”
Braden said plans are still being developed and permits have yet to be approved. While seating capacity is uncertain for now, he said to expect about 20 tap handles, all featuring Fieldwork’s much admired range of beer styles. The taproom is scheduled to open some time this summer.
“I’m really excited about them coming to town,” said Ken Hotchkiss, owner of Capitol Beer & Taproom, one of the top craft beer bars in the region. “What they are doing coming out with new beers virtually every week is exciting and the quality is right at the top right now.”
Rob Archie, owner of Pangaea Bier Cafe, another top craft beer destination, said: “I love their beers. Fieldwork has earned the respect of the Bay Area and for them to come to Sacramento is awesome.”
Aaron Marchand, vice president of Turton Commercial Real Estate, brokered the deal after showing Fieldwork numerous sites and turning down scores of offers for the vacant space on Capitol Avenue.
“We went through many, many offers before the ownership decided who was the right fit to raise the bar of the project and make the neighbors happy,” Marchand said. “I think it’s a great fit for the brewery and a great win for Sacramento.”
Blair Anthony Robertson: 916-321-1099, @Blarob
This story was originally published February 4, 2016, 5:25 PM.