Food trucks are now an added feature

By Doug McDevitt

In March we went into a lockdown. Boarded everything up. Donned our masks and only ventured out for necessities. Many thought well, it’ll only be for a couple weeks, it’ll pass soon enough. Over three months later, we’re still grappling with a new way of life. If that wasn’t enough the country-wide landscape seems to be changing, sometimes with violence and destruction. Where can we go to escape, to regain some normalcy that we remembered back in the day. Fortunately, some restrictions were lifted on May 20^, and a place of refuge emerged for us in the region.

   Up on top of a hill on Stillman Road in Colebrook sits Norbrook Brewery, where customers can enjoy the outdoors by viewing the natural world in a farm-like setting, see spectacular sunsets, hike or mountain bike through the Steve Quinn Memorial trails or enjoy a round of disc golf. What makes all of this even more enjoyable is the wonderful and friendly staff that is there to serve a cadre of finely-crafted beers. 

   During the first two weeks of the pandemic, Norbrook’s District Manager, John Auclair, said that business was pretty bleak. Their main hurdle was the possibility of seeing the product go stale before getting it to market due to the extensive shut downs. This was remedied by brewing the products with longer lager times, allowing for a beer with a longer shelf life. In addition, Norbrook’s to-go sales remained good from a community willing to support local businesses. While the home delivery sales that opened back up in April also a helped, Auclair says that the social aspect of the brewery was a significant missing factor. On May 20^, restrictions for the brewery were relaxed as long as outdoor capacity limits s are observed and food is served.

   Earlier, Norbrook Brewery had been trying to get zoning permits from the town of Colebrook to allow food trucks on the property.. In a superb example of municipal and private enterprise cooperation, the town of Colebrook granted an open-ended temporary permit for Norbrook to host food trucks. This allowed – the brewery to open up its outdoor seating arena, offering a place of refuge for the community to momentarily forget the worries of the world and engage in a relaxing and now culinary environment. 

Patrons can assemble and be a part of a very invigorated and vibrant group while enjoying a variety of delicious food choices and washing them down with Norbrook’s fine ales and porters, while enjoying all of that in a wonderful natural setting.

The trucks featured will vary, as Auclair is going to keep the brewery’s menu interesting and not repetitive. In July, and twice in August, Cousin’s Maine Lobsters will be at the Brewery. The Giant Stuffed Potato Grenades truck from Torrington will also be at the brewery and Auclair says many others as well. Norbrook is currently working on their Facebook calendar to list other trucks and the dates they will be featured. 

In addition to food and drink, Norbrook offers many other optional activities. The Steve Quinn Memorial Trail, dedicated to a very close friend whose life was tragically cut short, winds through the picturesque hills and past a few ponds at Norbrook, for those who wish to revel more deeply in nature. Whether you are in the mood for a strenuous active day or just want to sit and sip, Norbrook has just the right medicine for the cabin fever many of us are experiencing. Located at 204 Stillman Drive in Colebrook, the Norbrook Brewery is only minutes away, but spending a little time there can make some worries seem like miles away.   

Photo, top, by Doug McDevitt. John Auclair of Norbrook Brewery has announced that food trucks have recently been permitted on the property and will provide casual outdoor dining.