Montclair Brewery to Open Second Location in East Orange, NJ

“We’ve had to turn down distribution opportunities due to our current production capacity,” explains Denise Ford Sawadogo, Co-owner and Chief Brand & Administrative Officer. “We wanted to expand in Montclair, but unfortunately, it wasn’t feasible,” she adds. Currently, Montclair Brewery’s 101 Walnut Street location in Montclair has a cramped 658-square-foot production area with a 7-barrel (217-gallon) system. The new East Orange location will feature a much larger 1,700-square-foot production area and a 15-barrel system, allowing the brewery to operate more efficiently. “With the new system, we’ll finally be able to meet demand and produce enough beer,” adds Leo Sawadogo, Co-owner and Head Brewer. The new facility will enable Montclair Brewery to expand its presence across New Jersey and New York, with potential plans for distribution in other states down the road. 

East Orange city officials are enthusiastic about welcoming Montclair Brewery to their community. The city’s motto—”One City, One Community, One Goal: Progress”—aligns with Montclair Brewery’s own vision of “Building Community, One Craft Drink at a Time”. “We’re excited to craft more unique beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and cocktails,” says Leo. The new location will also offer events tailored to East Orange residents, focusing on adult-oriented programming while the Montclair location remains family-friendly. The brewery will continue to celebrate the African and Caribbean heritage of its owners by hosting cultural events such as their annual Caribbean Fête and Trinbago Independence Celebration once the taproom opens in Phase 2. 

“While we’re thrilled about the expansion, it’s also a little daunting,” admits Denise. “Even though we’ve done this before, this is a new city, and the building has more challenges than our Montclair space did when we first opened.” The building requires major updates, including new plumbing and electrical systems, which were unforeseen when it was acquired. To help make the East Orange location a reality, Montclair Brewery has launched an Indiegogo campaign, giving supporters the opportunity to be part of their journey. Exclusive perks are available for those who contribute. The campaign can be found on Montclair Brewery dot com.

Montclair Brewery is a microbrewery and tasting room located in Montclair, New Jersey. Co-owners Leo Sawadogo, head brewer, and Denise Ford Sawadogo, chief brand and administrative officer, have grown their passion for home brewing into a thriving business. Their diverse cultural backgrounds—African, African-American, and Caribbean—are reflected in the brewery’s eclectic beer offerings and events. Montclair Brewery aims to build community by offering a wide range of beers that appeal to both craft enthusiasts and those new to craft beer. Their beers are available on-site, for pickup or delivery, and at select bars, restaurants, and retailers in New Jersey and New York. To learn more, visit Montclair Brewery dot com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.