Sea Dog Brewing Company, a well-known Maine-based brewer of award-winning handcrafted beer, will open its first New Hampshire location in an 18th century barn at The Red Barn Shopping Center. The New Hampshire Sea Dog Brew Pub joins three company locations in Maine and two in Florida. A fall 2014 opening is planned.
According to Jim Kaplan of the Red Barn Shopping Center, the historic barn will be renovated for Sea Dog, and will have a fresh but rustic look. "All Sea Dog Brew Pubs have unique designs that blend with the local environment and architecture. Sea Dog won't be trying to hide the fact that this is a barn. They love the idea of preserving the historic look of the building, and we really appreciate that. They want to accentuate the barn's architectural and structural design features. For example, instead of installing shiny new floors, they will be using wood planks that will wear and only look more beautiful with time. Just like the barn itself. We are really happy they want to keep the integrity and charm of the original structure."
Jim Bunting, Sea Dog operations manager and frequent visitor to North Conway has known for a long time North Conway would be a great fit for the Sea Dog. "This is a very special opportunity for the Sea Dog Brewing Co. to open in the Mt. Washington Valley. The lifestyle, the beautiful barn, the growing restaurant and brewing community, the access to world class activities and local food sourcing. Add those up and it was a really quick decision."
K Corp. leased the 8,000 s/f, 235 seat restaurant which will occupy the main floor and the mezzanine of the barn and will have a large bar area. A new seating area with the same post and beam construction as the barn is planned.
Construction began in late July, with the pub opening planned for November. Up to 60 jobs will be created by the opening of the pub.