Cugino’s to add brewery, Narrow Gauge Brewing

Many know Cugino’s Italian Bar & Grill for its extensive draft list, but soon the restaurant will host a new option in local beer. Narrow Gauge Brewing is scheduled to begin production early this spring, operating out of a space inside the Florissant restaurant.

A joint venture between Cugino’s co-owners Ben Goldkamp, Dave Beckham and brewer Jeff Hardesty, Narrow Gauge will offer a hop-heavy list of brews for exclusive distribution at Cugino’s. The restaurant, located at 1595 N. Highway 67, has begun renovations to provide both a brewing space and tasting room. After switching Cugino’s to a craft beer-focused bar in 2012, Goldkamp and Beckham began making connections at local beer events, including then-homebrewer Hardesty.

A side dining area is scheduled to become the Narrow Gauge tasting room separate from Cugino’s bar. A six-barrel system will be installed below the brewery in repurposed banquet hall, and Hardesty said there is room to expand. Hardesty said beer offerings will include hop-forward styles like India and American pale ales, as well as darker beers such as the robust Old Town Porter.