What’s so special about craft beer? For Tony Romano, co-owner of Gearblock Brewing Co., it’s the freshness that comes from locally made, preservative-free beer. Craft beer is made to be enjoyed as soon as brewing is done, he explains, while mass-produced beer requires additives to extend its shelf life.
“You can taste the difference,” notes Romano, who teamed up with his uncle, Ron Cavaliere, to start Gearblock three years ago. The business has since gained a dedicated following, brewing and serving a range of beers at their 2,000-square-foot brewery and taproom in Waldwick.
The Taproom
“We wanted the taproom to be casual but also elevated and somewhat refined—a lounge space with a subtle industrial feel,” Romano says with a smile.
“We had to get the scale right,” adds Cavaliere. “We wanted it large enough to offer a range of quality beers, but not so big that it became unmanageable—we both have day jobs, after all!”
“The atmosphere is friendly, and the clientele is terrific,” Cavaliere explains. “The only time we ever thought there might be an altercation, it turned out to be a good-natured argument about singing.” Cavaliere laughs. “It ended with a tough-looking, bearded motorcycle rider performing a show-stopping version of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ in the bar!”
The casual and comfortable Gearblock taproom is frequented by a few hundred regulars, some bringing their kids and a couple of pizzas to enjoy while sipping a pint. Servers, knowledgeable about the beers and how they’re brewed, pour the drinks.
The Beginning
Romano and Cavaliere's self-funded craft brewing business began with a hobby—brewing beer at home using pre-made “Mr. Beer” kits. Eventually, Romano built his own brewing system, and the beer quality improved to award-winning levels.
“Ron and I always talked about starting a business together—lots of ideas came up, like a pizza shop—but we realized craft brewing was the perfect fit,” Romano says. “Beer was a topic that kept coming up at family gatherings.”
The name “Gearblock” nods to the duo’s long-standing interest in cars. Both Romano and Cavaliere worked on car engines and raced cars as youths, and Romano spent 18 years as an automotive technology specialist at Toyota. “At first, we thought of naming the bar ‘Gearbox,’ but another business already used that name, so we went with ‘Gearblock.’ It’s not a car term, but it sounds cool!” Cavaliere jokes.
The Drinks
“I’m generally guided by what I like personally when it comes to flavors and styles,” Romano shares. “But beer trends change quickly, so we’re always looking to try something different.”
“We’re always tweaking recipes and adjusting the process,” Cavaliere adds.
To create a new recipe, the duo typically starts with a target flavor profile and alcohol by volume (ABV), working to achieve both in the same brew. “It’s difficult to nail the perfect flavor and ABV simultaneously, but playing around with it is what makes it fun!” says Cavaliere.
Romano's favorite Gearblock brew is the “Tri-Five” New England IPA, while Cavaliere enjoys pilsners like Warrior Pilsner, named after Waldwick High School’s mascot, and Fahrvergnugen, named after a 1990s Volkswagen ad campaign.
“As brewers, we have the ability to be creative and try new ideas, so our range of beers is wide and unique,” Romano says. The menu often features fan favorites like Gearblock’s Oreo beer or a stout aged in bourbon barrels, along with German-style Märzen ales and fruited sour beers. Gearblock also offers hard seltzers and occasionally homemade root beer.
“It’s not easy, but it’s a fun business,” Cavaliere laughs. “We’re still learning and always exploring!”
Gearblock Brewing Company
Address: 140 Franklin Turnpike # 2, Waldwick, NJ 07463
Phone: (201) 962-2057
Website: gearblockbrewing.com/