Local brewing company turns 5 and expands offerings

By Deborah Rose

On any given day, one can find a friendly face, good conversation, and entertainment at Housatonic River Brewing in New Milford.

So say the customers of the business that recently marked its fifth anniversary.

Business owners Dave and Dianne Littlefield treated its Mug Club members and patrons to a variety of special activities and offers throughout the September anniversary week.

On top of that, the brewery is on the cusp of more cause for celebration.

HRB is gearing up to open a kitchen, and will soon operate with a full liquor license.

“It’s amazing how much (HRB) has grown – and is still growing,” said Sharyn Hogenauer, who, with her husband, John, has been a loyal patron since the brewery opened. “Dave and Diane should be very proud of themselves.”

Customers flock to the establishment at 30 Kent Road (Route 7 North), just north of Veterans Memorial Bridge and Big Y, for any – or all – of its offerings, including beer, comradery, live indoor and outdoor music, cornhole, trivia night, and Singo Bingo.

In recent times, the business has become a favorite hotspot and venue – with indoor and outdoor stages – for those interested in the music scene.

In fact, the business is now in the running, with voting underway. for CT Magazine’s 2024 Best Brewery and Best Live Music venue.

Randy DeSalvo, of New Milford, who is the proud owner of the Mug Club’s #1 mug, said he is continually impressed with the transformation and additions made at the brewery since it first opened.

The Littlefields “have really invested in the town,” he said.

Dave said the kitchen is expected to open in November.

Jose Toscanno,, who owns the popular El Taco food truck that has been onsite at HRB for several years, will be the head chef in the kitchen that is expected to serve handhelds such as smashburgers, sandwiches, many of El Taco’s favorites, and more.

“I love the fact that adding a kitchen and soon-to-be liquor license will broaden our range of offerings for all our existing customers, as well as hopefully attract new customers,” Dianne said during a recent interview.

“Every day we hear people say, ‘I would love to come but I don’t drink beer,’” she said. “Adding the food and spirits piece should help attract those folks.”

The Hogenauers, DeSalvo and other regulars are quick to describe HRB as a family.

“When (I came) through the door the first night – they were breaking in a double IPA – they called out his nickname,” Sharyn recalled of the first night she joined her husband at HRB. “He already had a nickname.”

After being introduced to fellow customers, Sharyn realized she knew many folks from the community, including some former classmates.

“The best part about (the place) is the people who come here,” DeSalvo said, adding, with a smile, “and, of course, the beer.”

The patron emphasized the friendly atmosphere comprised of people who “care for each other.”

When folks miss a night or two of music, a red flag goes up and people grow concerned, the Hogenauers said.

As co-owner with her husband, Dianne said she feels the comradery, too. 

“It is kind of like the good old-fashioned neighborhood where we all looked out for one another…that is the vibe I feel every day.”

Dave related his appreciation for having built a “place where I want to hang out;” being part of the town in which they reside; and sharing the business and all that goes into it with his wife. 

“Prior to the brewery, we were constantly going in a million different directions with work obligations and now we get to spend time together working toward the common goal of making HRB the best it can possibly be,” Dianne said. 

“Whether it is transporting kegs, building a fence or brainstorming new ideas, it is a blessing we are able do it together,” she said.

Dave also noted the satisfaction he and Dianne have, as business owners, “to be able to give back to the community” through gift baskets and 

“We’ve probably been able to raise $50- to 60,000 over the years for various causes, plus we’ve donated gift baskets.”

GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION

Dianne related how “times have changed exponentially in the past five years,” in part due to the COVID pandemic, which began 18 months after HRB opened on Sept. 20, 2018.

Housatonic River Brewing and other businesses were shut down due to COVID. Thankfully, Dave said, HRB had begun distribution the month before, which allowed the young business to continue despite having to be closed for five months before it was permitted to re-open with 50 percent capacity.

When the business eventually reopened to full capacity, the Littlefields envisioned adding more offerings for their customers and began implementing a multi-phase plan.

Two years ago, HRB added a massive pavilion over its main outdoor space that accommodates 250 people, providing customers shelter from sun, rain and snow.

Corn hole games and fire pits are available behind the pavilion.

In March of this year, the brewing production was moved off site and a new bar, ready to serve all liquor in the future, was constructed. The move allowed for the expansion of indoor seating from 50 to 110.

“We realized the local brewery concept as it was wasn’t working and we needed something more,” Dave said. “So, we went music centric to separate ourselves.”

Expanding upon what the brewery previously offered – entertainment with local musicians – the business began offering live music Fridays through Sundays, bringing in bigger-named bands.

Among recent musicians and bands that have performed include The Pop Rocks, Not Sorry, Future Tense, Rock Paper Soul, The Remnants, The Mighty Ploughboys, and Struggle Monkey

Richard Ayer, of Danbury, said he discovered HRB because he follows numerous bands that have performed at HRB.

“I’ve seen a lot of venues and, as an outside venue, this one of the best pavilions around,” said Ayer, while listening to a band.

“I like chasing the bands and the atmosphere here,” Ayer said.

Sharyn said she and her husband especially like the shift in focus to being a music-centric venue with an assortment of musicians and bands.

“The live music is something near and dear to our hearts,” Dianne said, citing how music heals, unites and inspires.

She said it does her “heart good to see people tapping their toes, dancing, singing and clapping along and just letting all the worries of the day slip away even for a little while.”

Dianne said the business’ “growth is something (she is) extremely proud of given the hurdles that have presented themselves the past five years.”

Prior to opening HRB, Dave held various positions, including having owned Harbor Lights Brewing Co. in southern California from 1994-98.

For more information about Housatonic River Brewing, located at 30 Kent Road, New Milford, visit https://www.housatonicriverbrewing.com, call 860-946-0266

or follow them on social media.

Deborah Rose/The New Milford business serves up a variety of beers.

Deborah Rose/An outdoor stage, under a large pavilion, provides the perfect venue for live music.

Deborah Rose/Patrons cheer on the musicians during a recent performance held indoors.

Deborah Rose/Speeedwagon - the REO Speedwagon Experience performs on a recent night at the business.

Deborah Rose/Owner Dave Littlefield joins patrons outside for an evening of music.

Courtesy of Housatonic River Brewing/The music of The Pop Rocks CT got people on their feet to dance.

Courtesy of Housatonic River Brewing/A sandcastle built by Create a Castle, a New Milford business, made a long-term appearance outdoors this past summer.

Courtesy of Housatonic River Brewing/Seasonal decor adds color to the indoor space.

Courtesy of Housatonic River Brewing/Seasonal decor adds color to the indoor space.