Do you remember Big Adventures at The Mill in Westfield? For those with school-aged kids, you likely spent many birthday parties there over the years! If you were to visit the location now, you would never recognize it.
Westfield’s newest craft brewery, Great Awakening Brewing Company, is the current occupant. The expansive space features gorgeous refinished wood surfaces, a loft-style ceiling, and a wall of windows bringing in natural light and lending a stunning view. Owners and Westfield natives Mark and Christine Netzer and Andy and Kim Grenier decided on the Mill because they loved the location and they wanted to begin their business journey in Westfield. Mark states, “We are invested in the growth of our community, and craft breweries can be a catalyst to continue that growth.”
The concept for GABC all started when Mark embarked on a brewing hobby about 7 years ago. He brewed at home, perfecting his beers, and then decided to enter into local festivals and competitions. . .and he won! People would ask him where they could buy the beer, and the idea to start a company was born. Mark and Andy have known each other since high school. Andy, an entrepreneur at heart, was pursuing a career in corporate America. Mark approached him and pitched the idea to start a brewing company - Andy was all-in!
The Great Awakening name originated from the idea to “be awakened" to the diversity of craft beer. As Mark says, “we’re more than meets the eye.” With over 85 recipes and growing, GABC embraces this mission and provides unique beer offerings every week. Mark shares, “We will not mass produce our beers, every batch is different.” Their logo was created by Edgardo Sanchez from San-Man Graphics. If you look closely at the “eye” within the logo, you will see the “G” and the “A” are interwoven within the design.
GABC began sales in July by fulfilling curbside pickup orders via their online website greatawakeningbrewing.com. When asked what each of their favorite beers are, Andy quickly states “The Purist Black Currant & Vanilla, in our Sour Blonde Ale series, is my favorite yet.” Mark, on the other hand, was less decisive. “They’re like my children - I can’t pick just one!”
Join us in some “socially distant” fun when the taproom and kitchen open this fall. Future plans include live music and a private event space.
