Dockside Brewery announced Feb. 13 that Connecticut restaurant veteran Kevin Fitzsimmons will serve as general manager of the Milford, Connecticut brewery and biergarten.
The announcement, which comes on the heels of Andy Schwartz being named brewmaster.
“Kevin’s a major get for us,” said Dockside co-founder Bob Chicoine. “He’s a real pro who not only knows the restaurant management world as well as anyone, but also has a thorough knowledge of the area and is always on the cutting-edge of industry trends.”
A master mixologist and former teacher at the Boston Bartending School, Fitzsimmons most recently served as the director of operations for the Prime Restaurant Group, which includes Barra Italian Street Kitchen, Prime 111, and Taco Co. Prior to that he spent nearly 18 years with the Eli’s Restaurant Group culminating as beverage director, general manager and part-owner. He is also an executive board member for the Connecticut Restaurant Association.
“I’ve always really loved craft beer and I grew up on the water, so this is a perfect combination for me,” Fitzsimmons said of his new position. “I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned over the past 20 years and apply it to something this new and exciting.”
The 4,200 square foot waterfront brewpub will feature an in-house brewing system feeding more than 40 beer taps and a large biergarten overlooking the river with an outside bar and gaming area.
Dockside Brewery is on target to open its doors by St. Patrick’s Day.