Bottoms Up! Old Flame Brewing Company coming to Newmarket's Old Fire Hall

Ontario craft brewer, known for award-winning lagers, scores 10-year lease with the town

Yorkregion.com
July 27, 2020

Old Flame Brewing Co. founder and president, Jack Doak, raises a glass in his Port Perry location. - Andrej Ivanov

Raise your glasses, the Old Flame Brewing Co. is moving into Newmarket’s Old Fire Hall on Main Street.

The company has won the bid for a 10-year lease agreement with the town.

It is expected to open in early 2021.

“Main Street Newmarket offers a very attractive location for Old Flame Brewery as we expand production of our award winning beers,” founder and president Jack Doak said in a statement.

The company is looking forward to “engaging with downtown businesses and supporting the ongoing growth and vitality of Main Street” he said.

In addition to a place where customers can enjoy a pint, Old Flame will offer interactive tours and tastings and a second-floor event space.

Similar to its existing location in the historic district of Port Perry where the company has revitalized a 130-year-old carriage manufacturing shop, Old Flame said it will preserve and restore the original façade of the Newmarket fire hall as it honours the building’s heritage.

Mayor John Taylor called the lease with Old Flame a triumph for the downtown core.

“This is very exciting news and a positive story of investment in the future of Main Street during difficult times,” he said.

“I am so proud of how our entire community has come together to show our support for our local businesses through COVID-19. The Old Flame Brewing Company will perfectly complement our vibrant and award-winning Main Street and we look forward to the future when we can all enjoy it together.”

Located at 140 Main St. at the corner of Millard Avenue, the 5,000-square-foot building is a landmark property.

The town is calling the lease with Old Flame a milestone moment in enhancing the vibrancy of Main Street.

The deal should act as a catalyst for further development along the road toward Davis Drive, a town statement said.

Built in 1952 and occupied as a fire hall for most of its lifespan, the site is close to key cultural sites, community facilities, shops and restaurants, the town said.

For more information on the town’s efforts to support the business community, visit businessnewmarket.ca.