From starting in a home garage to brewing in a 6,500 square foot tavern, Pickett Brewing Company has officially opened its newest commercial space in Pigtown.
Jason Howard started home brewing in 2009 at his home in Lutherville.
“When the garage door was open, people knew they could stop by, hang out with friends and neighbors and have a good time,” co-owner Kate Conway said.
Howard always dreamed of starting a brewery based on the neighborhood vibe he created with his house beer. In 2018, he asked Conway to help with business planning, finance and marketing, and from there their partnership grew.
In the heart of Pigtown, they found a location on Paca Street that “was used for storage but had the bones for a brewery”. They knew this would be the perfect location and decided to dive into planning the brewery. In the spring of 2022, the pair left their careers to become full-time brewery owners and operators.
Because the planning stages took place during the pandemic, the development of the brewery and dining room “seemed to take forever,” Conway explained. “It was frustrating for sure, but we persevered with determination, flexibility and a good sense of humour. It all made it even more rewarding to open our doors last month and see people come in, enjoy the beer and hang out in the tavern.
Pickett, named after the street where brewing began, promises to offer a relaxed atmosphere with lounges where patrons can listen to music or catch a game.
The bar will feature a rotating list of 10-12 beers on tap, with a range of classic styles, seasonal flavors, a stout and a New England IPA. They currently have a season in fermenters.
Snacks will be available for purchase and food trucks will be on hand for Ravens home game days.
The brewery will also host trivia parties, Wood & Wax and Spore & Seed workshops, and a special tailgate when the Navy take on Notre Dame at M&T Bank Stadium on Veterans Day weekend.
The owners say they are “thrilled to be part of the craft beer communities of Baltimore, Maryland and Pigtown.”
Customers can stop by their location at 1130 S. Paca St., Wednesday through Sunday, to try a new beer or even make a new friend.
