Barrels & Boards owner to open new venture, Brickstone Brewhouse Tavern

(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)

RAYNHAM — A new restaurant called Brickstone Brewhouse Tavern is set to replace The Great American Pub in Raynham, opening in the coming months at 1736 Broadway.

“We’re looking to bring a warm, different, eclectic vibe,” said Irene Saxonis, co-owner of Brickstone Brewhouse Tavern, who, along with her husband Dean, are also co-owners of popular Raynham staple Barrels & Boards.

“It will be a nice, comfortable environment, and more on the modern side,” she added, explaining the difference between Brickstone with the Prohibition-era ambiance Barrels & Boards is known for.

In October 2022, the now former owners of Great American Pub announced via social media they were in the process of selling the restaurant, which had been there since 1984. Dean Saxonis said the sale was finalized in February 2023.

Dean said he and Irene always wanted to open another restaurant with a different concept, and “this opportunity solidified it.”

Andreanna Saxonis, manager at Barrels & Boards, who will also be the manager at Brickstone, said this new venture isn’t about “taking away from Barrels,” but about “bringing more life into the town.”

“It’s an exciting time for us and the community as a whole.”

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Dean said what people can expect at Brickstone is a massive bar, able to seat 40 people, with 24 beers on tap.

The intention is to have all the beers on tap come from local and regional brewers, Dean said.

Beer will be the highlight, Irene said, but Brickstone will also be selling other alcohol, including an assortment of signature cocktails.

The tavern will also cater to sports fans with plenty of TVs at the bar and around the rest of the restaurant.

Executive chef and co-owner of Barrels & Boards Manuel Hernandez, also holds the same titles with Brickstone Brewhouse.

He said the menu for Brickstone is still being finalized and up for revision.

What people can expect, he said, is taking popular comfort foods and elevating them.

“It’s not your typical pub food. We want to bring something exciting and modern.”

Brick oven pizza will be a staple at Brickstone, with Hernandez emphasizing this won’t be bar pizza. He said they plan on offering both traditional staples, like buffalo chicken pizza, as well as specialty pizzas, like duck and fig.

Burgers will be another staple, with Hernandez saying his intention is to incorporate “high-end toppings” that one would normally find on steak, like short rib and mushroom aioli. One item he’s excited to offer is a Wagyu burger crusted with black pepper and served with a cognac cream sauce.

Hernandez said he intends on offering variations of popular appetizers, such as loaded fries and loaded nachos, as well as crispy fried chicken skins.

Additional entrees to be included on the menu are a lamb shank shepherd’s pie, Nashville-style chicken sandwich, and various steak and seafood dishes.

Hernandez said having Brickstone Brewhouse gives him a new creative outlet. “This is a new opportunity to pull up new ideas,” saying he’s been “piling up” ideas and recipes for a few years.

He said that with the menu at Barrels, “it’s so established” that you can’t do too much revising of the menu or with specific items because patrons “want to get what they want to get.”

As the executive chef for two restaurants now, Hernandez believes he understands what kind of recipes go where, adding that he sees Brickstone as a place where he can put his twist and “new presentations” on classic foods.

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Dean said they will be looking to hire 75-80 staff for Brickstone Brewhouse.

Owners hope Brickstone Brewhouse Tavern can open before the end of the year, but, Dean said, “contractors can be difficult” and “delays happen.”