SPRINGFIELD – After a long process, the completion of a White Lion Brewery with a taproom in downtown Springfield is within sight, according to Ashley Clark, managing partner of the company.

Clark told Reminder Publishing the brewery is waiting for custom built items to complete the brewery’s taproom and restaurant operation. She is hoping the taproom can open to the public sometime in November. The new facility is located at Tower Square.

She explained the taproom space is large enough to allow customers in under the capacity guidelines for the pandemic. Financially, she said opening now “will be worth it,” while making sure both the customers and the staff are safe.

In order to open, she said the taproom must serve food. “We are seeking a partner [for the food operation] and should announce it within the next two and half weeks,” she said. She added she believes the public will be “very excited” by the food partner.

In the last weeks of the month, Clark said there would be several retail events at the taproom at which people can buy White Lion beer as well as see the facility. She noted White Lion would be collaborating with Vitamin Sea Brewing on some special beers.

The search for a location for a brewery and taproom started in 2014 when White Lion president Raymond Berry brought a beer back to Springfield. According to the company, beer production in the city ended in the 1940s.

Managing Partner and Head Brewer, Mike Yates said, “We are incredibly excited to begin brewing in our own space.  This not only allows the company to increase production but it also positions us to get very creative.  We have a number of new releases scheduled including an incredible collaboration with eastern Massachusetts powerhouse, Vitamin Sea Brewing.”

Clark said the pandemic has been a challenge for the company. While sales have stayed “steady” in Western Massachusetts, the brewery, like others, lost ground with bars and restaurants closing.

Mayor Domenic Sarno said in a written statement, “Springfield’s renaissance is vibrant and White Lion returning light industrial manufacturing to downtown is a major step toward it becoming a downtown destination and eclectic venue.”