Large-scale beer hall planned for later this year on Mystic Avenue in Medford

MEDFORD — Mystic Avenue is a heavily traveled corridor where many industrial suppliers are based. This summer, Brian Zarthar and his partners hope to increase property values in the neighborhood by adding a new element.

Zarthar and his five partners are building The Great American Beer Hall, a 22,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor facility that they hope will appeal to all ages. Besides craft beer, wine and liquor, they plan to offer entertainment and food.

The beer hall was envisioned by Zarthar back in 2019. COVID-19 delayed the project, but it also gave Zarthar and his partners the idea to create more outdoor space. That's why there will be a 4,800-square-foot outdoor beer garden with seating for 112, as well as a second-story open mezzanine.

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“I think the city desperately needs something like this," said Zarthar. "I see other communities that have breweries and are really successful. Medford is underserved.”

There's no other place like this in Medford or even Massachusetts, added Zarthar, who hopes someday to open more Great American Beer Halls in other parts of the country.

Construction began last August on the beer hall, which will focus on craft beers made throughout New England. Its 17,000-square-foot tap room will be able to seat about 375 people, and will have a 90-foot bar staffed by 26 bartenders.

There will be 30 beers on tap and four ordering stations

“We are built for speed,” said Zarthar, who doesn’t want anyone waiting long to get a drink. “We want to serve a lot of people quickly."

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“I think it’s the size that makes it great and gives the ‘wow effect' when you walk in the door,” said Zarthar, who lives in Milton. “I didn’t want to go small with the concept. I wanted to go big.”

And big it is.

Even the televisions going up inside The Great American Beer Hall will measure 24-by-12 feet. Part of the parking lot will be used for pickleball courts, Monday through Thursday. And inside there will be cornhole games.

"Having a space like this open on Mystic Avenue is wonderful to see and opens up more possibilities for the area," said Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn.

"I have had the pleasure of touring the facility during the construction process and I know the finished product will be an amazing experience for our community to enjoy."

Pizza-focused menu at The Great American Beer Hall

Zarthar said food offerings will focus on pizza.

“We tasked the chef with making pizzas that you can’t get anywhere else, such as rock shrimp pizza,” he said.

The menu will also include other quick-service items such as sandwiches, salads and shareable finger food appetizers.

Live entertainment and private events will also be offered

Zarthar said The Great American Beer Hall will have live entertainment indoors and outdoors on weekends. Parts of the facility can rented for private events.

“People are already inquiring for weddings,” he said.