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Partners Matthew Farrar and David Mendelsohn are working to reopen the Adams Alehouse.
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Little has changed inside the tavern since it closed six years ago.
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The partners are also looking to restore the candlepin alley and possibly the second-floor ballroom.

New Owners of Adams Ale House Looking to Reopen Pub

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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ADAMS, Mass. Partners Matthew Farrar and David Mendelsohn are looking to restore the Adams Ale House at 8-10 East Hoosac St.

 

The pub was last open in 2018 and there were hopes of finding a potential buyer but none came through and the building hasn't been open since.

Mendelsohn, who owns Brothers Restoration Services, was asked to come and restore the building for the market last year and decided to buy it. The purchase from Zing Financial LLC closed on Sept. 27 for $194,000.

Farrar, who is an ordained minister, wanted to do something in his retirement and was looking to buy another restaurant building but was pointed toward Mendelsohn and decided to become partners on the Adams Ale House project.

Their work is only just started. The two are just cleaning up the space are hoping to run some fundraisers to help them reopen. 

"We want to bring it back to community stuff. That's why we're going to do the fundraisers and create the menu and have people come in and try them, and then they can all say, 'Oh, well, they used to have this' and we will say OK. Well, if we know how to make that, if not, we'll figure it out. So our whole plan is working community on everything."

The two want to open as a steakhouse with a goal to work with local farmers. They plan to be open by capacity only a couple days a week for dinner to give the Adams community a different place to eat.

"During peak hours, Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night, service steaks, when everyone's looking to go get some dinner with the family, and you have to drive to Dalton, and you have to drive to Williamstown or Pittsfield," Mendelsohn said.

The closures of the Firehouse Cafe and Haflinger Haus have left a gap in evening dining choices in Adams.

The two still need some permits. Once they open the restaurant portion, they would like to bring back the four-lane candlepin alley on the first floor and bring in a pool league. They're also looking to open up the second level for concerts and bring back the church that used to be there.

The building had been owned and operated by the Polish Roman Catholic Society of St. Stanislaus Kostka until it closed in 2009 because of finances. The hall was built in 1912 at a cost of $15,000.

It was sold in 2012 and opened as the Adams Ale House in a year later; it closed in 2017 but reopened under new management for a few months the following year.

"We want to revibe the vibe so that the community knows you know what yeah it's the Old Ale House," Farrar said.

They are looking for volunteers to help come and clean up the space. Contact Farrar for more information at 207-693-2927.


Tags: bars, taverns,   restaurants,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming Home in Adams

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a charming and inviting home? Then this is the one for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 125 Friend St.

This newly renovated 1960 home has three bedrooms and one bathroom. It is 1,239 square feet on a 1 1/2 acre lot.

The house includes a basement level two-car garage, an eat-in kitchen and a sunroom perfect for all seasons. The house recently got new paint, new carpets, and a new 200-amp electrical service.

It is on the market for $349,000.

We spoke with Stephanie Rapisarda from William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, which holds the listing.

What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?

It offers something difficult to find: a home that has been lovingly maintained by the same family for over six decades and is now being offered for the first time. Combined with its spacious 1.49 acre lot, beautifully renovated bathroom, and versatile four-season sunroom, this home presents a rare opportunity for buyers seeking both comfort and long-term value.

Do you know any unique stories about this home or its history?

Oh so many! My grandfather built the home. He and my grandmother raised their family there and when their kids had children, it remained a special haven for our entire family. My grandfather started his company CTC Inc. in the basement of the home, and his son still owns and operates the business today, now on a much larger scale.

The home's foundation is truly one of love. The pride of ownership is evident throughout the home, from its careful maintenance to the thoughtful updates that have preserved its character while enhancing everyday living. 

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

Warm, welcoming, and easy to live in. The home has a comfortable Berkshire feel, with bright living spaces, a practical layout, and a peaceful setting that makes it easy to relax and unwind. The four-season sunroom, back porch and beautiful yard create a wonderful connection to the outdoors throughout the year while still being right in town.

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