Brewery Officials: "We will rebuild"

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Brewery Officials: "We will rebuild"

By SUSAN CAMPBELL

Story Created: May 30, 2008 at 9:10 AM EST

Story Updated: May 30, 2008 at 5:14 PM EST

UTICA - Only 24 hours after fire destroyed part of the F.X. Matt Brewery, plans to rebuild are already underway. At the brewery Friday, officials said that they are grateful to the community and government agencies who stepped up and pledged support in such a difficult time.

The Matt Family says that they will rebuild and the brewery will come back stronger than ever.

Canning capabilities here have been lost and there is a question about damage to the bottling lines but there is no official word yet on whether they will be salvagable.

It is important to note that much of the company was not affected by the fire including the actual brewing, fermenting, and aging operations. The president of F.X. Matt Brewery also says kegging operations will be back up and running on Monday.

There is some evidence of getting through it the devestation already. It was announced that Saranac Thursday for next week is on! Same time, same place and Nick Matt says he hopes the community will come out in full force.

In the meantime, Utica Mayor David Roefaro says Varick Street is open for business this weekend and he is encouraging people to come out and support other local establishments.

Another annonucment of good news: Officials told us that they do not expect there to be a problem with hosting the after-race party.

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Friday, May 30 at 10:28 PM Pat wrote ...

Billy I am with you. It is so refreshing to also have the support of so many neighboring communities.I hope we can once again be human beings willing to help each other in crisis. Everyone working together is wonderful.Our local officals being there was where they should have been. Hats off to everyone. I hope this does help Utica's recovery. As you know I am a community activist, we have gone back long enough. It is now time to go ahead.Negatives breed negatives. Positives can work wonders.

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Friday, May 30 at 3:15 PM MJ wrote ...

One would hope that economic support can be found by our elected officials, city,county, and state,for one of our local success stories. Enough money has been thrown haphazardly to far lesser deserving projects.

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Friday, May 30 at 2:29 PM Beer guy wrote ...

It's really a shame that in a time of tremendous tragedy someone has to come out with "wrath of God" scenario. Beer is as much tied to religion as it is to industry, culture and innovation. And a lot of people lost their jobs and could have been killed. I understand your feelings but the sort of people who act like you say are going to find a way to do so with or without a brewery.

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Friday, May 30 at 12:50 PM SeanUtica wrote ...

In response to a comment below: The fire is not a sign from above. Such comments imply this was an act of punishment. Please remember that the brewery and local bars are businesses like any other, whether producing sheet metal, medical supplies, or beer. They give the community much more than alcohol. You have the right to be upset with drunk driving and violence, but don't confuse the business with individual morals and behaviors. My best wishes for an expeditious recovery from this sad event.

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Friday, May 30 at 9:41 AM kelly wrote ...

My heart goes out to the matt family and it's employee's the brewery is such a historic part of Utica. I can't imagine Utica without the brewery.

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Friday, May 30 at 9:37 AM Bill true Utica, N.Y. wrote ...

In circumstances like these, our Utica fire and Police Departments are number one in public safety. It is unfortunate to be in hazardous situations, but we are very fortunate to have these fine men and women who keep us safe 24/7.

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Friday, May 30 at 9:32 AM Utican wrote ...

I am glad no one was seriously hurt but maybe it was a sign from above, first day of the Saranac Season and it gets shut down along with the rest of the neighboring bars. Sad to see a city put so much into alcohol instead of putting resources to better use. Times have changed and I think people would agree that the drinking, drunk driving, and fighting that happens in the Varick Street area would be less of a problem if the City did not endorse it. People using Utica as a Toilet gets old fast.

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