[Front photo shows Rich Taylor with a 32-ounce "crowler"; in the gallery photo, front row (left to right): Saratoga County Chamber President Todd Shimkus; Wilton Supervisor Arthur Johnson; Mayor Joanne Yepsen; Saratoga Springs Supervisor Matthew Veitch; Kelley and Rich Taylor; Marty Vanags and Shelby Schneider of the county Prosperity Partnership. Photos by www.photoandgraphic.com.]
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, was the last person on Tuesday who formally welcomed the R.S. Taylor and Sons taproom owners to Congress Plaza.
“I know I’m the only thing holding everybody here from beer,” Shimkus joked, before presenting Kelley and Rich Taylor with a piece of the green ribbon that was cut to celebrate the new city business.
“In the chamber tradition, if you hang it inside it will bring you good luck forever,” Shimkus explained to the wife and husband team.
According to a statement from the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership (SCPP), the taproom “serves its signature farm-brewed beers, New York State hard ciders, and mixed drinks” in a freshly renovated, 1,600-square-foot space.
The Taylors’ farm in Washington County is home to the R.S. Taylor and Sons brewery; the new Saratoga Springs taproom is the second of three planned locations.
There is a small music stage inside and an outdoor patio area that can seat nearly 40 customers. According to the company’s website (www.rstaylorbrewing.com/tap-rooms), it will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m.; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
“We are thrilled to open our newest location in Saratoga Springs, in the heart of a vibrant downtown that offers the perfect setting to build a thriving business,” Rich Taylor said. “We see a tremendous opportunity to tap into the rapid growth of New York’s craft beverage industry, and appreciate the invaluable guidance and support we’ve received from the Saratoga Partnership to help make this project a reality.”
Marty Vanags, the SCPP president, and Shelby Schneider, the SCPP promoter of business retention, were also both in attendance at the ribbon cutting.
Schneider and Vanags helped the Taylors gain access to a $75,000 loan from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund for the Congress Plaza renovation project.
