Mighty Squirrel & Hunneman Forge Boston Taproom Alliance

In the bustling landscape of Boston's dining and entertainment scene, the demand for more social and family-friendly establishments is on the rise. Craft breweries and taprooms are seizing this opportunity to create relaxed, communal spaces. Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., a local brewery, teamed up with Boston-based commercial real estate firm Hunneman to open their first location in Waltham, Massachusetts in 2018.

Crafting the Dream Taproom

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.'s journey began in 2015, initially contract brewing their beer in various locations. Co-founder Henry Manice shared, "We had always dreamed of building our own brick-and-mortar with a production brewery and taproom." With Hunneman's guidance, they explored multiple locations across Boston, ultimately choosing Waltham. The negotiation process, led by brokers Peter Evans and Colin Gordon, ensured a satisfying deal for all parties involved.

A Unique Experience

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.'s flagship location distinguishes itself from traditional breweries. They carved out a 5,000 square foot space to sublease to a rock climbing gym, creating a unique atmosphere. Manice explained, "Our taproom has an 8-foot-tall, 50-foot-long glass wall that overlooks the climbing gym. This 'living' TV, combined with our taproom, offers an entertaining experience for all our visitors." The brewery aspires to be a gathering spot for people of all ages, offering climbing competitions, live music, food trucks, and taproom trivia.

Expanding the Presence

Hunneman has facilitated two more deals for Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., securing a 13,000 square foot brewery and taproom in Boston's Fenway neighborhood and a 4,000 square foot brewery and taproom in Watertown. Manice expressed enthusiasm about introducing more people to Mighty Squirrel in Boston. The Watertown brewery will open its doors in 2024 at Arsenal Yards, a mixed-use development, while the Fenway location is steps away from Fenway Park, perfect for post-game socializing.

A Bright Future

As Boston evolves, the brewery aims to become an integral part of both the local and regional communities. Manice envisions a scenario where visitors from all over Massachusetts and New England can enjoy a Mighty Squirrel brew before or after a ballgame or concert. The partnership between Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. and Hunneman continues to flourish, fostering trust, collaboration, and a shared passion for their endeavors.