Town moving downtown in major Ontario brewery announcement

After nine years on the Whitby waterfront, Town Brewery is moving downtown.

The brewery founded with the simple goal of making better beer and building a stronger community will now be part of Whitby’s downtown community after news broke Friday they would be moving into the former Brock Street Brewing and 12welve Bistro location 244 Brock St. S.

“We started this journey over nine years ago with a straightforward plan – to create a business that we could be proud of. One that would make great products and provide a space for people to come together. To quote our original business plan, ‘we want to be a fixture in the community,’” said general manager and co-founder Jeff Talmey on the brewery’s socials. “We finally have a place to call our own in the heart of the town that’s supported us since day one. Without our community we wouldn’t have this opportunity and we truly feel like we are sharing this moment with you.”

Talmey and his ownership team have immersed themselves in the community in Whitby since then, from putting on beer festivals to supporting emerging music talent to hosting trivia nights, organizing running events and raising money for various community causes.

“We’ve committed to this ethos on our mission to strengthen our community through good work and good times,” Talmey said. “We work to cultivate the most exciting, inclusive and fulfilling experiences in our community through quality and connection and feel your encouragement in achieving that goal.”

Their location on Charles Street, a stone’s throw from the lake has been a popular hangout for craft beer enthusiasts for years, but with developers eyeing their rented digs for more lucrative uses, the brewery team has been on the lookout for new quarters.

Town was planning to move to a new location at Burns Street and Garrard Road but when Brock Street, and then 12welve Bistro, moved out of 244 Brock Street in recent months, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“One thing that’s always concerned us is our lack of a long-term home. That’s why we are so excited to share (this) news,” he enthused. “We are eager to take the reins of this great space and excited to have the opportunity to operate the entire building, all three floors, under the Town Brewery name.”

The first floor restaurant will remain closed for the time being to undergo renovations, with Town working through designs right now.

“We’ll be targeting to reopen later in 2026. You’re going to have to be patient, but we know you’ll love it.”

The newly named Jackson Hall (2nd floor) and The Office (3rd floor) will be closed for a short period of time but both will be operating as event spaces later this month. “We want to host your private parties, weddings and birthdays, so hit us up.”

The brewery and taproom at 1632 Charles St will remain open, with Talmey calling it “business as usual down there.”

Talmey and the rest of his ownership team thanked their “amazing staff and family” for getting the brewery to this point. “Town Brewery would not be here without your love, dedication and hard work. None of this is possible without each of you and we’re excited to share this next step.”

“Today is a good day.”

The brewer’s post on Facebook drew several hundred responses from fans eager to visit the new space when it opens, including former Brock Street Brewery employee Steve Moser, who said that he was sad to see Brock Street close but “happy to see Town Brewery taking the reins.”

Well wishes also came in from Toronto beer writer and educator Jordan St. John – who keeps a database on all openings and closings (mostly closings) in the world of Ontario brewing – who joked that he now gets to “erase that red highlight. Nice!”

Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy was also enthusiastic about the announcement, offering “huge congratulations” to the brewery team.

“Town Brewery is already an important part of Whitby’s tourism and culinary success story with its seasonal pop-up at the waterfront and taproom on Charles Street. Seeing them expand into this space in the heart of our thriving downtown is fantastic news for our community, our local economy, and everyone who enjoys Whitby’s growing food and beverage scene.”

“I can’t wait for this next chapter!”

It seemed to be good news all ‘round from others who commented on the brewery’s post:

• “So very happy to see that it’s you guys taking over the space!” – Jen
• “BIG NEWS!!! Congratulations.I’m SO excited for you!” – Roxanne
• “Great news – cheers!” – Will
• “This is excellent news. I know how hard you’ve all been working to make this happen and wish you so much success and happiness in this new venture!! Can’t wait to see how it looks and celebrate the grand opening. You guys rock!” – Nicola
• “Congratulations to the Town Brewery team! So nice to see a local business that works so hard for the community continuing to grow in downtown Whitby. This is awesome news! – Diana
• “This is great news guys! Congratulations and I can’t wait for the Grand Opening!” – Eric
• “Congrats to the whole Town team – can’t wait to check out the new space and have the same great beer!” – Bobby

Founded in 2017, Town Brewery focuses on community-driven, quality craft beer, specializing in modern pale ales, IPAs, and, more recently, traditional lagers. Located on Charles Street, the brewery opened a popular summertime pop-up at the historic Whitby Pump House in 2023.