Cary Ale House & Brewing Company, found in Downtown Cary at 208 W. Main Street, has come under new ownership with future renovations planned.
Chris Panagakis and Dustin Davies opened Cary Ale House in 2015 and survived through the pandemic. The duo sold the business at the beginning of the year and had a one-day closure last month to prepare for new owners Tony Pristera, Chris Podgorski, and Kris Kehler. The trio reopened the business in mid-January and has some ideas for renovations in the future, according to Shaw Local. Podgorski tells What Now Chicago the majority of ideas are not set in stone, so it’s hard to say when these projects will begin.
“What started out as a small gastropub grew to include outdoor seating and (finally) a brewery,” Panagakis said in social media post at the time of its closure. “When looking for a buyer, I wanted to be sure the restaurant was left in good hands. A group of local Cary neighbors has purchased the restaurant. With their combined experience, I believe the restaurant can be taken to the next level. The staff and concept are to remain, and I will be around for a transition period and to be the head brewer.”
The new owners plan to operate the ale house per usual with no immediate changes. They expect to keep the same staff, menu, and name. While nothing is official, some possible renovations include changes to the interior, expanding indoor seating, extended hours, and more community engagement. Another more significant idea that has been tossed around is a new game room in the back with classic bar games, such as darts. The bathrooms may also get an upgrade at some point.
“This wasn’t like a distressed purchase that needed to be rescued,” Kehler tells Shaw Local. “We have a good opportunity to carry on what the previous owner built. We’re excited to take it to the next level. There’s a good foundation here, and we think there’s a chance to grow the brand in the community and engage in the community more.”
