On Thursday, September 28th – Sonny Patel Brewing Company, Inc., a startup brewing company founded by Sonny Patel, Owner of Beer World, celebrated the opening of their new taproom and brewery, Aspire Brewing in Middletown, NY. The event for the new hospitality establishment was attended by the project architect, LAN Associates.
Approximately 30,000 sf of existing retail space was renovated to bring Aspire Brewing to life. The location includes 6,500 sf of commercial brewery space to craft microbrews, a 12,100 sf restaurant space, a 1,700 sf outdoor seating area, a 2,300 sf game room, and a ~2,000 sf commercial kitchen. The commercial brewing space was designed to accommodate everything needed to brew and can beer. This includes a 1,000-sf drive-in freezer to house the beverages after they have been brewed. LAN Associates provided architectural design services, project management, interior design coordination, and construction administration services in support of the project. LAN retained Gerard Associates to provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for the design of the project. FW Interior Design led the interior design.
“At Aspire, our commitment goes beyond crafting exceptional brews. We’re proud to be part of this community, creating jobs and contributing much-needed tax dollars,” said Aspire Brewing owner Sonny Patel. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant future as we brew dreams one glass at a time, and now, my dreams become reality. We have not only crafted good brews but also a welcoming space for the entire family to enjoy. Join us on this hoppy ride and make memories one sip at a time as we bring you the perfect blend of beer, food, and games where good times are on tap!”
The restaurant includes both a Taproom and a Beer Hall. Patrons can choose between the Craft Beer Bar or a traditional restaurant experience in the Taproom. In the Beer Hall, there are currently over 30 beers on tap. RFID scanners allow visitors to pour their own beer and the technology calculates the volume of the serving and automatically bills the patron. On-site entertainment includes a space for axe throwing and a golf simulator as well as cornhole and Jenga for guests. Aspire Brewing is also hosting live music, and when the weather is nice, guests can take advantage of the outdoor seating areas carved from the former interior retail space.
The aesthetic of the taproom has a darker, more intimate environment with storefront glazing flanking the bar that offers expansive views of the brewery allowing visitors to watch the brewing process unfold. The beer hall was designed to be a brighter and more lively space, while the exterior facade was modernized to strengthen and support the branding of the brewery and its beer.
“We are thrilled to see the official ribbon cutting for Aspire Brewing. Sonny Patel is a prominent business owner, and this hospitality project was a great opportunity to showcase LAN’s capabilities. We feel the finished product reflects the passion, enthusiasm, and creativity of our hospitality design team,” said Vice President and Architect at LAN Associates, Matthew Milnamow. “The functional and thoughtful layout enabled the interior designer to complement the branding and style of the brewery and taproom. We are proud of the outcome and our design team’s commitment to executing Mr. Patel’s vision.”
