BabyCat Brewery, the beloved Kensington-based brewery known for its community atmosphere and award-winning craft beers, has soft opened its brand-new taproom at 4850 Rugby Avenue in Bethesda. The new location marks an exciting expansion for founders Sam Mussomeli and Terry Redmond, both Montgomery County residents who have built BabyCat into one of the area’s most popular local breweries. A first-look video of the packed soft opening can be seen below.
Mussomeli, originally from Pittsburgh, has lived in Montgomery County for nearly 15 years. A passionate homebrewer for over a decade, he’s earned numerous local and regional awards for his craft. Redmond, a lifelong entrepreneur who has called Kensington home for more than 20 years, said the goal has always been to create “a community brewery,” and the Bethesda location is a natural next step in sharing that vision with a wider audience.
The Bethesda taproom blends BabyCat’s trademark warmth with a few new surprises. “Bethesda has 100 bars, but you can’t find something like this,” said Taproom Manager Abby LeNoire. “Throw a stone and you’ll hit a bar, but this feels like the house party you want to be in.”
The new space features a full kitchen and a full bar, differentiating it from the Kensington location, which relies on rotating food trucks. “The cocktail list here is way more expansive,” LeNoire shared. “When we’re fully open in a week or so, there will be eight signature cocktails.” Guests will also notice thoughtful design touches, from vintage lamps to lush greenery on the walls, that bring Kensington’s cozy feel to Bethesda’s downtown scene.
LeNoire described the vibe as “cozy like Kensington, but definitely the house party you wanted that invite to.” And while the Kensington classics will be available, BabyCat Bethesda is also charting its own creative path. “Our head brewer in Kensington is Phil Zanello, and Bethesda’s brewer, Jon Harahan, trained under him,” she said. “Jon has creative freedom, so there will definitely be beers exclusive to Bethesda.”
One of LeNoire’s current favorites is Station 5, an Irish Red Ale brewed a few times each year, with proceeds benefiting Kensington’s Station 5 Fire Department. “We’re looking to do something similar here in Bethesda,” she noted.
The reaction since opening has been nothing short of enthusiastic. “Overwhelmingly positive…if any light is on, someone’s knocking on the door asking if we’re open,” LeNoire laughed. Her favorite feature of the new space? “The archway leading to production. The interior design is beautiful, and the patio space is much bigger than anticipated.”
BabyCat Bethesda plans to host seasonal events, starting with a Halloween celebration featuring themed drinks and a costume contest. When asked to sum up BabyCat in three words, LeNoire didn’t hesitate: “Community, unforgettable, comfortable.” She added, “We’d love those who have been to Kensington to come check us out, and if you’ve never been, come visit Bethesda. I’m confident everyone will agree it was worth the wait.”
The Bethesda taproom will continue its soft opening over the coming days, with a grand opening planed for October 31st.
