The craft beer book continues to expand into the Southcoast as three New Bedford natives are on their way to opening a brewpub downtown before year's end. 

The partners are Christian Farland, engineer and owner of surveying group Farland Corporation, Inc., Mark Martinho, whose family owns Antonio's Restaurant, and his brother-in-law Al Peters, part-owner of Cork Wine & Tapas and Rose Alley Ale House.

During a guided tour of Greasy Luck Brewery, Farland explained the many plans for the 18,000 sq. ft. building at 791 Purchase Street.

The ground-floor will feature a 70 seat brewpub as well as a large function area with a stage. The function area also includes existing bank vaults that will be used behind the bar as storage for supplies as well as special custom beer mugs.

Farland said they plan to offer a VIP membership to 100-200 people to purchase their own 18oz mug that will be stored in one of the vaults. Each mug will be kept in a lockbox and the owner will have their own unique key. Farland calls it "Crack the Vault," but the name is still being worked out.

CAD model of SmartBrew system that will be used. Via SmartBrew
CAD model of SmartBrew system that will be used. Via SmartBrew
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The brewpub will feature a 150 sq. ft. SmartBrew system that can brew up to four different varieties utilizing some of the latest brewing technology. Farland, a self-described craft beer lover, hopes the first batch of brews will feature a coffee stout, India Pale Ale, blueberry ale and possibly a collaboration of blueberry and cranberry, both made with local berries.

Plans are to serve comfort foods at the bar along with some Portuguese inspired dishes.

The second floor is still a work-in-progress, though it will include a smaller function room as well as a rooftop patio with a bar.

Farland said he felt a need for a large function are in the city and hopes this will be the answer. He plans for Sunday jazz brunches, live acts several times a week with a couple major acts passing through a few times each month. Greasy Luck has already booked several events for their function room.

When not in use, the function area will be a place to hangout with oversized Jenga, a shuffleboard set-up and other activities.

The location previously housed collections of records for the New Bedford Whaling Museum and was a bank branch. Though parking can always be a bit of a hassle downtown, valet parking will be available during the evening.

The brewpub and function area are expected to be opened on November 23 of this year, while the second floor and patio should be opened by summer 2017.

Greasy Luck joins the likes of Moby Dick Brewing, which is currently under construction just blocks away on the corner of Union and Water Street and expected to open early 2017.

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