18 1/2 Years Old and Look What We’ve Done!

Over the years, my staff has accused me of trying to please everyone. And since everyone is different, that’s maybe not a good business plan. Nevertheless, I still pushed in that direction. Hence huge menu, 18 taps, Bud and Coors too, music almost every day, parties all the time (Remember Prom, Solstice Eggs & Beer Breakfast and the Morris Dancers, the Beach Party, Fat Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, NY Eve Bash, St. Paddy’s, Super Bowl Parties, The freakin’ Night Before Thanksgiving?). You know?

It was a bit much. Every Thursday night was a Friday, and Friday was another Friday. That made Wednesday a Thursday. There were only two days that people took seriously and those were Monday and Tuesday. But we took care of Monday with Blue Monday, which left Tuesday, a day of rest for us all. Sunday was the cure- a fun day for so many with an over-the-top buffet in your pajamas. We were kids then.

We’ve changed a bit, dialed back the parties, etc. but have the food and beer dialed in more than ever and still have the great deals, like the oysters, the Five Star Loyalty program, the after work happy hour (food only, it’s Massachusetts you know) and Chef’s specials. The restaurant is prettier than ever, and we are still 7 days.

It happened around COVID time that we trimmed the menu and braced for the rebellion. But it never happened – thank you all for that! I am not so afraid anymore because I think we know what you want. We are still listening to your feedback more than ever, but I feel we have managed a lot of what you want and need in your ‘local’.

Here is what we did in 2024 to bring you the best at our downtown brewpub:

• We added back Blue Monday – because you begged us.
• We added TAP into TRIVIA with SCOTT. Yes, we are now going after Tuesdays.
• We added Live Music Wednesday. We keep it simple and local.
• We put in brand new A/C-Heat in the pub (in December). That completes the replacement of the restaurant’s 3 A/C-Heat systems. They are now all new and you can find comfort here from the heat and cold.
• We re-branded. Did you notice? We are now Moon Hill Brewing and the Gardner Ale House. We re-designed our logos and beer labels. We have a brand-new façade and sidewalk hanging sign. We look like a new restaurant in downtown Gardner.

The place is beautiful inside and out. We’re still Gardner Ale House, but we’re embracing our identity as a brewery even more.

We added Parking Lot Pickup for takeout orders. Look out back. It’s all paved and beautiful with signage and painted takeout parking spots.

We enhanced our catering, changing up the menu and adding ‘On The Fly’ catering offerings.

We put up a brand new website moonhillbrewing.com with shopping cart and easy access to our apparel and beer and gift cards.

Every Wednesday we introduce a special beer we call Beer of the Moment – fresh & straight from the brewery.

And when the weekend hits, somewhere around Thursday, we start ramping up what we do best. Food, Craft Beer, beverages of all kinds and Chef’s Specials. It all ends in an elegant Downtown Sunday Brunch (bar opens at 10AM). All of this, only to begin again with Buck A Shuck and Blue Monday. It is a marvelous carousel.

2024 was a particularly massive year. And so…

We just can’t sit still. We are never comfortable with the way things are and so we continue to improve.

What’s next for 2025?

• Well, we are adding a new wine list, basically jumping up the reds, because the whites are unassailable!
• We are adding A/C and Heat to our function room.
• We are ramping up our best West Coast IPA called ‘Because We’re Bitter’. This beer came out of the No On #5 campaign, which we won across the state!
• Our beer is showing up in more stores and pubs than ever before. Our friendly sales squad and our unique customer service are making it happen!
• Did I almost forget our 20th Oktoberfest? It’s not ours anymore. It’s Gardner’s now and it’s run by the Gardner Festival Committee and yes, we are well represented on that committee. Expect something different this year!

And if I had to leave you with a single thought…

‘Buck A Shuck Oysters’ Baby!
Every Monday, we have the blues and dollar oysters. Is there any place else in the world that does that?

We are working hard to keep this place Gardner’s downtown spot. People are starting to notice Gardner. And that’s a good thing. But we noticed it all along.

And if past performance is any indicator of future performance, you are in for a ride! When’s the last time we had a beer dinner? Right? That’s what I’m talking about.

Thanks for being there.

From Rick and the Gang

Always Here