Watch CBS News

Sam Adams Taproom In Faneuil Hall Reopens

BOSTON (CBS) – Optimism is building for business owners in Downtown Boston as slowly but surely foot traffic picks up in the area.

Sara Youngelson is the Treasurer of the Faneuil Hall Merchants Association. She also owns four businesses in the marketplace.

"The trend now is to just look forward. We see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope people will visit us," said Youngelson.

"It was certainly - I think dreadful numbers, I guess would be a good word for it the last year. But now we're slowly starting to see more people come back," said Joseph O'Malley, General Manager of Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

SamAdams
The Sam Adams Boston Taproom reopened on Wednesday. (WBZ-TV)

O'Malley said while it hasn't been easy, the majority of businesses there have managed to survive. "I'd comfortably say 85 percent of the businesses have made it through this, which is good."

"As people get the vaccine and they move forward to still practicing safety, I think we're going to see a good uptick come summer," said Youngelson.

The Samuel Adams Boston Taproom closed its doors in mid-December, and is now hopeful that the spring will mean a big boost for business. Last summer, Sam Adams decided to close its patio seating due to an influx of out-of-state visitors.

"People want to be out and about, and we're ready to lead the charge here around Faneuil Hall," said General Manager of the Boston Taproom Billy DeCain.

The Taproom at 60 State St. reopened Wednesday afternoon, celebrating the occasion with a new house ale.

"We're calling it Brewer Patriot, and we're parterning up with the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, so a little ceremonial first pour for that."

It's something neighboring businesses can certainly say cheers to.

"We find a rising tide lifts all boats. This is a huge draw," said O'Malley. "To have a good operator like that just a stone's throw away is great for us."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.