Beertown Public House has opened its 13th Ontario location in Peterborough, marking the first completed milestone in parent company Charcoal Group of Restaurants’ $25-million expansion across the province.
The restaurant, located at 780 Erskine Ave., occupies a former manufacturing facility and represents an investment in the Peterborough and Kawarthas region as the Waterloo-based restaurant group prepares to open additional Beertown locations in Richmond Hill and St. Catharines.
The opening marks the completion of the first project in Charcoal Group’s province-wide growth plan, which will bring its restaurant concepts to additional Ontario communities.
Former manufacturing facility transformed into restaurant
The Peterborough restaurant occupies a former hot tub manufacturing facility that became vacant after Bullfrog Spas Peterborough & Kawarthas relocated in late 2025.
Rather than developing an entirely new building, Charcoal Group chose to repurpose the existing property, incorporating elements of its original industrial structure into the restaurant’s design. The result combines the building’s manufacturing history with the Beertown dining concept.
“We’ve always believed that a great restaurant should be more than just a place to eat. It should be somewhere people come together, connect and create memories,” says Jody Palubiski, CEO and Managing Partner of Charcoal Group of Restaurants. “With our Peterborough Beertown location, we wanted to build something that reflects the community, embraces the region’s unique character and gives both residents and visitors a new place to call their own.”
The redesigned property includes multiple patios, a beer garden and an indoor dining area, providing several options for customers throughout the year. Its design incorporates the building’s industrial features while introducing elements intended to reflect Peterborough’s character and its proximity to cottage country.
Palubiski said the project involved extensive planning and work to adapt the former manufacturing property for its new use.
“An incredible amount of thought, planning and hard work went into bringing this restaurant to life,” says Palubiski. “We saw an opportunity to take a vacant industrial building and give it an entirely new purpose. Every detail was considered, from preserving elements of the original structure to creating spaces that encourage people to come together. We’re incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and can’t wait for the community to experience it.”
Location targets residents and regional visitors
The restaurant is situated near Lansdowne Place Mall and One Fine Food, positioning it to serve local residents, shoppers and visitors travelling through Peterborough and the surrounding Kawarthas region.
Its location along a major thoroughfare also provides access for people travelling to and from nearby cottage communities.
The Peterborough location offers Beertown’s established menu and beverage selection, including craft beers, elevated pub fare and a range of other food options. The restaurant also incorporates features developed specifically for the new location.
Beertown Peterborough is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.
More Ontario locations planned
With the Peterborough restaurant now open, Charcoal Group will focus on its launch while continuing work on the next stages of its $25-million Ontario expansion.
Upcoming Beertown locations in Richmond Hill and St. Catharines are part of the company’s plans to extend its presence into additional Ontario markets.
The Peterborough opening provides the first completed project under the expansion initiative, with the two planned locations representing the next steps in the group’s growth strategy.
Charcoal Group operates a portfolio of full-service restaurant concepts across Southern Ontario. Its brands include Solé Uptown, The Charcoal Steakhouse, Martini’s, Dels Italian Kitchen, Wildcraft Grill & Long Bar, The Bauer Kitchen, The Bauer Bakery & Café, Moose Winooski’s, Beertown and Sociable Kitchen & Tavern.
The company says it has more than 70 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
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