Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Cooney and John Paine.
Michael, John, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
John and Michael worked together for several years in a restaurant in downtown Boston. They constantly ran ideas by each other talking about what they liked and disliked in restaurants in and around the Boston area. Simplicity, good service, high quality but not pretentious food and a fun atmosphere were constantly the themes of the conversation. Looking for the perfect space they came across a closed Tuttle’s dry cleaners that was in pretty bad shape. It had all the bones they were looking for including space for an outside patio/beer garden and a neighborhood that was in need of good food & beverage.
Having been open just over 2 years they feel like their goal was achieved of becoming a neighborhood restaurant that makes our guests feel comfortable. Constantly welcoming new guests for the first time but loving that regular clientele that has supported them since day one.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Pretty smooth.
Like any new project and especially new restaurants we had some issues:
Flooding in the basement
Delayed opening for various reasons
But overall we have kept working away and still enjoy coming to work every day so that is a bonus.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Most people would say that Brewer’s Fork is known as a pizza and craft beer spot. This is true and we are very proud to have what most consider one of the best pies in Boston along with a wide ranging 30 draft cider and beer system. Our carefully chosen craft beer selection is great but if you ask our regulars the wine list and daily food specialty items would be their answer. Every day/night we have specials from the kitchen that range from soft shell crabs, pupusas, BBQ boards, ceviche, fish tacos and on and on and on.
On the wine side our list is curated by Kari Cooney and her 10 plus years at Neptune Oyster really shows in Brewer’s Fork’s carefully picked wine selections. The release of our rose menu for the spring/summer has become a highly anticipated menu for all our regulars.
What were you like growing up?
Michael: I was into sports and business. I always enjoyed being around small business and the owners. Learning business through an MBA was never going to be my style. Food wise I grew up Irish Catholic and a decent size family so mom cooked steak, fish and chicken. She was a good cook but I certainly never was exposed too much until I moved to California and worked for the Malibu Group. That’s where I learned about food and wine and fell in love with restaurants
John: I was not so much into sports but more into cars and food. At family gatherings food was always a big part of our get together. Being surrounded by family and food made it a natural fit for me with restaurants. I love having my son Jack (he is 2) help me prep in our kitchen at home.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7 Moulton St
- Website: Brewersfork.com
- Phone: 617-337-5703
- Email: brewersfork@gmail.com
- Instagram: brewers_fork
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrewersForkCharlestown/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Twitter: @BrewersFork
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
