Meet new Chamber member: Common Craft

Common Craft
85 Damrell St.
South Boston

Larry Leibowitz, Managing Partner

Tell us about your business — what do you do, and what inspired you to start it?
Common Craft was created to give independent craft producers a place to shine. There is so much noise in the food and beverage industry, especially in the beverage world, where small producers are competing for attention against one another and against massive companies like Anheuser-Busch. I saw it as a David and Goliath situation and wanted to create a platform that could help these producers build awareness, grow their brands, and connect directly with customers.

We opened our first location in Burlington four years ago. It is a casual taproom concept with four distinct experiences: a beer garden, a cocktail speakeasy, a wine room, and an agave spirits and Mexican lager bar. The spaces are surrounded by a large green space, patio, and a gastropub serving creative takes on familiar favorites.

We recently opened our second location in South Boston, which is more culinary-focused and follows a traditional dining model. Burlington is more about the producers, while South Boston is more about the product. South Boston includes a bright cocktail lounge inspired by botanicals and spirit production, along with a full-service restaurant and event space focused on creating a world-class food and beverage experience.

What sets your business apart from others in your industry?
Common Craft is designed to support and elevate the producers we feature. We think of our brand as a platform for their brands. It goes beyond local dining or farm-to-table. Our goal is to tell the stories of independent producers, highlight their craft, and celebrate the people and processes moving the industry forward.

At our South Boston location, we also created a program called “The Current.” It is a rotating seasonal menu that highlights a person, place, product, or technique from the food and beverage industry. The menu changes every six to eight weeks, giving guests something new to experience in addition to our core offerings.

Why did you choose to join the Chamber, and what do you hope to gain from your membership?
Great hospitality extends beyond our four walls. Joining the South Boston Chamber of Commerce gives us the opportunity to connect with local businesses, build relationships with residents, and support the organizations and people that make South Boston thrive.

We are excited to collaborate with other chamber members, contribute to community initiatives, and introduce more people to Common Craft. We also hope to become a welcoming gathering place for meetings, celebrations, and community events.

What’s one thing you love about doing business in South Boston?
I love the strong sense of community and neighborhood pride. South Boston has a unique mix of multigenerational families, longtime residents, newcomers, and young professionals, which creates a vibrant and diverse community.

It also offers easy access to downtown while still maintaining a true neighborhood feel. It is exciting to be part of an area that continues to grow while holding onto its identity.

Can you share a fun fact or something people might not know about your business?
Because of the size of our spaces and the strength of our branding, people sometimes assume Common Craft is part of a large restaurant group or national chain. In reality, we are a small, independently owned business run by people from the local community with big hopes for what Common Craft can become.

What has been your proudest moment or biggest achievement in your business so far?
Opening our second location in South Boston has been our proudest achievement. Many restaurants never get the opportunity to grow beyond their first location, so being able to expand into an urban market like South Boston is something I am incredibly proud of.

Are there any upcoming events, promotions, or new offerings you'd like people to know about?
We have a growing calendar of events and activations planned. During the summer, we host a concert series on the green space every other week, featuring live music along with food and drinks.

We have also hosted a variety of music, culinary, and community events, with many more planned. The best way to stay updated is by following our social media channels and visiting our website.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
For anyone starting in the food and beverage industry, it is important to understand that this is not an easy business. It needs to be driven by a genuine passion for hospitality, food, and beverage, along with patience and a willingness to put in the time required to build something great.

The margins are thin, and success rarely happens overnight. At the same time, few industries provide the same level of immediate feedback and satisfaction. You get to see how people respond to what you create and experience the joy it brings them. Just make sure you understand what you are getting into and that you truly love the work.

Website: https://southboston.commoncrafthospitality.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commoncraftsouthie/