Double Groove Brewing To Double Size Of Taproom In Forest Hill

FOREST HILL, MD — A newly opened brewery in Forest Hill is doubling its size. It is going to build what its owner said would be a mirror image of the existing footprint.

Double Groove Brewing encompasses 2,200 square feet, with about 1,300 of that dedicated to production, "leaving us a small footprint for the taproom and bar area for our workers," co-owner Mark Moody told the Harford County Liquor Control Board at its Wednesday meeting, held by teleconference due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

Before the virus hit, Moody said his patrons were asking for more space at the taproom, which had recently opened on Robin Circle.

"In the 60 days we were open prior to the pandemic, it was very crowded, and I would say 90 percent of the patrons asked us to expand," Moody said.

Double Groove Brewing officially opened Jan. 22, and in its current state, the taproom can seat 45 people.

"We have an adjacent space with the landlord that would allow us just to duplicate the footprint of our taproom basically in a mirror image," Moody said of the proposed expansion.

"We’re not looking to increase production," he said, but are "looking to increase seating."

Due to social distancing, which calls for not gathering in groups of more than 10 and having at least 6 feet of space between people, Moody said the business "will actually have to have twice the space to have the same amount of patrons" once restrictions ease.

Since March 16, bars and restaurants in Maryland have been closed to dine-in customers.

"We understand that's not permanent," Moody said of social distancing guidance, but noted the added space was something that his customers had requested.

Another door will provide access to the taproom, and Moody told the liquor board it will be under direct observation of the staff because the bar faces both doors.

The project should take about five weeks, Moody said, after meeting with the builder this week.

Double Groove Brewing is open 12 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday at 1659 Robin Circle in Forest Hill. It is offering carryout, curbside pickup and home delivery. Food trucks have also been visiting; check the Double Groove Brewing Facebook page for updates.