ABOUT THE FERMENTARY TAPROOM
Our Proprietor
Meet Shannon
You may have seen Shannon on the South Shore at a farmer’s market or local food festival, she is the co-founder of Burke’s Hot Sauce with her husband Kevin. She is also an avid foodie of fermented foods and beverages and is excited to share The Fermentary with the South Shore. Learn more about Shannon and the taproom below .
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SHANNON
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It all started with the hot sauce business. We spent over a year looking for our own kitchen space, which would allow us to scale and grow the business. In our search doing so, we came across a former brewery space called, “Burke’s Alewerks.” Great last name, but no relation that we know of. I like to joke that the writing was on the wall and our literal name, “Burke” couldn’t be more obvious that this was the place for us. In analyzing our business case for the new space, it only made sense to take advantage of the pre-existing bar layout. That’s when we decided it would make sense to expand our business into a new venture. In my original business planning for Burke’s Hot Sauce, I had envisioned a “test” kitchen with local, rotating chefs using our hot sauce to create a small plate menu that served up local beer and wine. It’s surreal to me to think that The Fermentary, is my vision becoming true and I couldn’t be happier to see it become a reality!
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We love the South Shore and living minutes from the beach. Both Kevin and I have always lived near the ocean either in New England or California. For us, the coastal vibe is fun and an expression of who we are. With The Fermentary we created a space that feels like a great place to hang out–it's casual and you can easily gather with your friends, your family, and even the kiddos.
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There is an amazing entrepreneurial spirit in the South Shore and we want to share the delicious flavors that are made in our own community. From starting Burke’s Hot Sauce, we know businesses usually start based on a passion or a honed craft. Business owners typically launch their business by rallying support from friends, family, and the local community. We know how invaluable it is to feel supported and more importantly, we know how special and enjoyable it is to taste the flavors, quality, and passion that goes into a handcrafted product.
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The vibe and the hot sauce! The Fermentary will be a hub for all of the best locally fermented goods—a way to showcase the best local, handcrafted, fermented goods. The taproom is a representation of who we are and what we enjoy—our community, making lasting memories, and enjoying new culinary experiences. We produce and package our hot sauce on site so you can walk in and smell our sauce which will leave your taste buds watering!
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It’s all about ambiance, taste, and sound. Our ambiance includes lots of light, and a South Shore coastal vibe with local artwork adorning the walls. Your taste buds will be deeply satisfied with our array of hand-selected beverages including local craft beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages like seltzers and kombuchas, as well as non-alcoholic options like locally sourced coffee, seltzers and juice for the little ones.
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We’d love to host private party events. We have an amazing space and believe it is perfect for groups or individuals who are planning an event but don’t necessarily want to host within their own home or in a restaurant, which can sometimes feel less private and more expensive. We also plan to host our own events that will be open to the community!
Fermentation Makes Everything Better
The fermentation process uses microbes, such as bacteria and yeast, to preserve foods. These microbes act as probiotics, supporting gut health. Proponents of fermentation argue that it is an easy way to add beneficial bacteria and other organisms to the gut to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Some research has even linked a healthy gut to better overall health.
Not only are beer and wine fermented but our Burke’s Hot Sauce is as well! Here’s some fun fermentation information to ponder as you enjoy one of our fermented delicacies at The Fermentary:
Good bacteria fight bad bacteria and, like all our favorite superheroes, the good bacteria usually wins. Good bacteria create acidic fermentation by products that lower your intestine’s pH, decreasing the chance that bad bacteria can survive.
Fermentation increases flavor by creating more nuanced and intricate flavors which can only be achieved via the fermentation process. That’s why all our Burke’s Hot Sauces are so delicious!
Good bacteria produced by fermentation help to break down complex carbohydrates and aid in the metabolizing process.
Fermented foods have a longer shelf life - but we’re betting your Burke’s Hot Sauce won’t be around long enough to go bad.
During fermentation, microorganisms like bacteria, yeast or fungi convert organic compounds like sugars and starches into alcohol or acids. As some of the natural sugars and starches have already been broken down, fermented foods are easier to digest.
Consuming fermented foods as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. So while you are lovin’ Burke’s Hot Sauce, it’s lovin’ your heart right back!
Feeling a bit like ‘Oscar the Grouch’ these days? Turns out research is revealing a healthy gut positively impacts our mood and behavior. So, enjoy the exquisite taste of fermented beer, wine, and Burke’s Hot Sauce while simultaneously lightening your mood!