Since 2014, the number of breweries in Rhode Island has nearly doubled. 11 of the state’s 38 breweries have opened in the past two years alone.
Despite the economic challenges posed by COVID-19, none of them have been forced to close.
“The fact that we haven’t lost any is kind of remarkable, but only because so many other places have,” said Gary Richardson, executive director of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.
Richardson says many breweries were able to tread water in 2020 by providing to-go orders while their taprooms were shut down. Once the taprooms re-opened, he says a number of breweries expanded their business offerings to include food and other social activities, often with the assistance of grant money.
“They have outdoor facilities, trivia nights, live music,” said Richardson. “I’d say a lot of people are finding that enjoyable. (There’s) camaraderie. It’s kind of fun.”
Richardson expects the number of breweries in Rhode Island to grow again this year.
“I don’t see it slowing down quite yet because I know of three or four right now that are pretty close to opening,” he said.
Richardson thinks the future of recreational marijuana in Rhode Island could have an impact on the state’s brewing industry.
“They’re watching (recreational) marijuana as something that might cut into a little bit of the beer (business),” he said. “But I think beer drinkers are kind of loyal to it.”
Joe Tasca can be reached at jtasca@ripr.org
