Fire For Effect Foundation Teams with Black Hat Brew Works to Preserve the Original Tap Room

In a heartfelt collaboration, the Fire For Effect Foundation has partnered with Black Hat Brew Works to ensure that the spirit of the brewery’s original tap room and bar lives on, even as the business expands. Black Hat Brew Works, a beloved staple in Bridgewater, is undergoing a significant transformation as it grows to meet the demands of its loyal patrons. However, this expansion comes with a bittersweet cost: the original tap room and bar, a space that has been central to the brewery’s identity, will need to be demolished to make way for the new chapter.
Recognizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the original space, the Fire For Effect Foundation has stepped in to help keep its memory alive. The Foundation, known for its dedication to fostering community relationships and supporting charitable causes, sees this partnership as an opportunity to honor the values that Black Hat Brew Works has embodied since its inception.
A Model for Community and Charity
Al Lacerda, President of the Fire For Effect Foundation, shared his personal connection to Black Hat Brew Works and the inspiration it provided during the Foundation’s early days.
“When the Foundation was first being formed, I was in search of something in Bridgewater that showcased what it was to create an environment that fosters community relationships and embodies the idea of charity and support,” Lacerda explained. “I wanted to model our approach after all of the best parts of what was currently happening and apply it to how we attacked our mission statement. I found that at Black Hat.”
For Lacerda, Black Hat’s original tap room was more than just a place to enjoy a beer—it was a hub for connection, collaboration, and community spirit. It represented the kind of environment the Fire For Effect Foundation strives to create through its own initiatives.
Preserving a Piece of History
As the expansion plans for Black Hat Brew Works moved forward, Lacerda and the Foundation knew they had to act to preserve the legacy of the original tap room. For Lacerda, the space holds deep personal significance, and he emphasized the importance of its history to the town.
“Our plans for Town River Landing as a hub for the community are an ongoing effort, and when we realized that the demolition was coming, I knew that Paul and I had to find a way to preserve it,” Lacerda said. “It’s not just a slab of wood. It is a piece of history in the town. Imagine all of the conversations and formed friendships. Hell, the details of the Foundation, my initial introductions to the community, and the lay of the land for this town took place on stool number four.”
This sentiment underscores the importance of the original tap room as more than just a physical space. It’s a place where relationships were built, ideas were shared, and the community came together.

Honoring a Legacy
The Fire For Effect Foundation and Black Hat Brew Works have revealed an exciting plan to incorporate elements of the original tap room into a new community space at Town River Landing. The old tap room will be repurposed into a 40-foot high-top container that will serve as a centerpiece for the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to bring consistent community events to Bridgewater.
This innovative project will ensure that the legacy of the original tap room lives on in a meaningful way. The container will be a hub for gatherings, events, and celebrations, continuing the tradition of fostering community relationships that began at Black Hat.
“For now, we are hyper-focused on creating the town we want to see from the inside out, and this means holding on tightly to the things we find to be positive about the community,” Lacerda said.
The high-top container at Town River Landing will not only preserve the history of the original tap room but also serve as a symbol of the Foundation’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected Bridgewater.
A New Chapter for Black Hat
The expansion of Black Hat Brew Works marks an exciting new chapter for the brewery. With a larger space, the team will be able to serve more customers, host bigger events, and continue to grow as a cornerstone of the Bridgewater community. While the original tap room will be missed, the expansion is a testament to the brewery’s success and the support it has received from the community over the years.
For the Fire For Effect Foundation, this partnership is a chance to give back to an organization that has inspired its mission. By working together, the Foundation and Black Hat Brew Works are ensuring that the values of community, charity, and support remain at the heart of everything they do.
Looking Ahead
Events and initiatives are being announced daily.
The partnership between the Fire For Effect Foundation and Black Hat Brew Works is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared commitment to community and connection. While the original tap room may be gone, its spirit will continue to inspire and bring people together for years to come at Town River Landing.

For more information on the Fire For Effect Foundation and its initiatives or to become a sponsor please email ashley@ffefinc.org .Together, lets show how growth and change can honor the past while building a brighter future.
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