New Culinary Chapter Set To Begin For Manchester Landmark

MANCHESTER, CT — Eli’s Restaurant Group has targeted a September opening for the new Elicit Brewing Co. at the site of the old Adams Mill restaurant.

Elicit is being touted at "the younger, the younger, laid-back, and ever-so-slightly edgier sister restaurant of the Eli's Restaurant Group family.

Elicit will feature "quick, service-style food with an on-site brewery, a "staggering list of local and semi-local craft beer heavy hitters," a wine and cocktail bar, a retro arcade, a beer garden - and a "game selection ranging from giant jenga to ping pong," Eli's officials said Thursday.

The historic, 19th-century brick building once housed a paper mill and was, up until recently, the site of the Adams Mill Restaurant, a culinary landmark in Manchester.

In March, after 37 years in business, Adams Mill owners Deb and Tony Scarpace said the April 28 brunch would be the last meal served at the old converted factory at 165 Adams Street.

The restuarant was known as a go-to gathering place for intimate and family dinners with birthday meals on the house, after-work socializing and group functions.

Another trademark was a unique sign made out of barrels.

The transition to Elicit was a collaborative effort between old owners and new.

"We are putting together a concept focused on bringing the community together in an events-driven space and thought that centering it around beer, something we have
enjoyed for years, which has become so prevalent now in Connecticut, would be a great way to
tie it all together,” said Ellis Reilly, director of operations for Eli’s Restaurant Group. "Opening in Manchester was a fairly easy decision because we like the community that the town has already managed to build and throughout our building process they have already proven to be terrific."

In culinary terms, Elicit will be an American-style beer garden featuring a range of food
from pizzas and sandwiches to "smaller style plates including wings and pretzels," Reilly said.

The brewery is expected to be open Monday through Friday late afternoon through "late
night," with "more hours on the weekends."

More about Elicit Brewing Co. is on Instagram (@ElicitBrewing) and the restaurant's website (elicitbrewing.com).