Despite Pandemic Hurdles, New Brewery Opens In Center Moriches
CENTER MORICHES, NY — The coronavirus didn't stop one man's dreams of a new brewery in Center Moriches from coming to fruition: The Moriches Field Brewing Company is set to open its doors to the public on October 15 at 3 p.m.
A ribbon cutting will take place first at 2 p.m. at the brewery, which is located at 1 Wilcox Avenue.
According to owner Richard Flynn of Bay Shore, his vision involved opening a brewery on the South Shore, "in a neighborhood like the place I live. Center Moriches fit the bill. It's community-oriented, everyone knows each other, and the the social and community life is a good example of what it's like to live on the South Shore."
A website for the business described the ambiance Flynn was hoping to create: "Good beer, good friends, good conversation and good times. That sums up the reason Moriches Field Brewing was created," the site said.
Flynn, who spent years in the insurance business working for the American International Group, "had the opportunity to travel the world for work and noticed that the most genuine discussion always happened outside of the office over a beer. Plans were made and friendships cemented over a local beer that was fresh, full of flavor and something to be remembered," the site said. "The microbreweries of today are places where local culture, entertainment and information exchange blend to create community hubs. The great tasting beer is just the social lubricant. It’s the people that will make Moriches Field Brewing a place to remember."
The grand opening comes after three years of planning. Moriches Field Brewing, Flynn told Patch, is a farm brewery, the first to open its doors in Brookhaven Town that's not located in a village. "That means a large part of our ingredients are from New York State suppliers and are extremely fresh," Flynn said.
The name "Moriches Field Brewing" is a nod to the area's rich roots in aviation, Flynn said.
A selection of craft beers will be offered, including Summer Winds — it was the first on tap and was used to test the system — an American Cream Ale; Long Island Pale Road, a pale ale; On the Fly, a pilsner; an Irish red; and Pitch and Yaw, an oatmeal stout .
In addition to beer, local wines and ciders will also be offered, he said.
Opening a new business during the coronavirus crisis has had its share of challenges, Flynn said.
"We had to revamp the whole interior seating plan and buy outdoor seating that was not in the budget," he said.
In addition, Flynn said, he won't be able to execute some of the ideas he had planned, including community-oriented events and game nights. "All that stuff's out," he said. "So I think the challenge is going to be keeping people interested enough to keep coming back out."
Flynn was also only able to produce about 50 percent of the beer he normally would, due to the fact that suppliers are producing less. The whole opening process got slowed down by the pandemic, due to so many working from home, and additional time needed to finish construction.
"Our biggest challenge every day is coming up with a different plan now of how we want to do things," he said.
Also, Flynn said, he is a "little concerned" that the coronavirus numbers may "slowly begin to creep back up again, and things may get dialed back."
The good news, Flynn said, is that people are "very excited about it. The local community has been extremely supportive. I could not have hoped for a better reception." All are eager, he said, for that first taste of beer. "They've been waiting for it," he said.
Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico said Moriches Field Brewing Company is "one of the latest investments in the special place that is Center Moriches. I trust that Rich Flynn will be successful and mindful of the community that surrounds and supports him. He has chosen a family friendly atmosphere, which is what the entire Moriches Bay community is about."
After the grand opening, Moriches Field Brewing Company will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For information on additional details and hours of operation, call 631-909-4404 or check out the Moriches Field Brewing Co. website.
This article originally appeared on the Center Moriches-Eastport Patch
