Malden's First Microbrewery Celebrates A Decade In Business

MALDEN, MA — The city's first microbrewery is celebrating a decade in business.

Mayor Gary Christenson surprised Brewery Manager Josh Deering with a city citation on July 4 in honor of Idle Hands Craft Ales' 10th anniversary in Malden. The family-owned brewery relocated to 89 Commercial St. in 2016 after launching as a small nanobrewery in Everett in 2011. The move gave the business a larger production facility and taproom, allowing it to expand while establishing Malden's first microbrewery.

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"Congratulations!" the mayor's office said in announcing the recognition.

Over the past decade, Idle Hands has partnered with the city on community fundraisers, charitable events and neighborhood cleanups. City officials credited the brewery with helping bring residents together through its support of local organizations and volunteer efforts.

Founded by Chris and Grace Tkach, Idle Hands has built a reputation for producing Belgian- and German-inspired ales and lagers while expanding its lineup to include IPAs, seasonal releases and experimental brews. The brewery distributes throughout Massachusetts, but its taproom has remained central to its operations, welcoming both residents and visitors from across Greater Boston.

The relocation from Everett to Malden marked a major turning point for the brewery. The Commercial Street facility more than tripled Idle Hands' production capacity while creating space for a dedicated taproom, allowing customers to enjoy beers directly from the source and helping establish the business as a destination in the city's emerging Commercial Street district.

The brewery has expanded beyond beer by hosting regular trivia nights, food truck pop-ups, run clubs, live entertainment, and other community events. Those gatherings have helped make Idle Hands a neighborhood meeting place while strengthening its ties to the Malden community.

The brewery has also developed a loyal following among its customers and employees. In 2023, Idle Hands released "Just Jake," an American lager created by bartender and brewer Jake Douglass after he worked his way from regular customer to employee with guidance from the brewery's production team. The beer's release party doubled as a fundraiser benefiting a local animal shelter.

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