Beer Trade Co., the craft beer concept founded by Montgomery County native Chris Sanchez in Florida, has officially opened its first Maryland location in Laytonsville, bringing a unique craft beer experience and a menu that is already generating positive reviews (preview video below).
Located at 6860 Olney Laytonsville Road in the Red Barn Shops, the restaurant has taken over the former home of The Office. The opening marks a homecoming for Sanchez and business partner Niko Tombros, who both grew up in the Silver Spring area and graduated from James Hubert Blake High School in 2002 before Sanchez relocated to Florida and launched Beer Trade Co. in 2014.
Beer Trade Co. operates on an honor-based model that combines the feel of a neighborhood bar with a bottle shop. Guests can browse a large selection of craft beer, grab drinks directly from refrigerated display cases, and settle their tabs when they’re ready to leave, creating a casual atmosphere centered around good beer and conversation.
The menu goes well beyond drinks, offering burgers, chicken sandwiches, burritos and the restaurant’s popular wings. During a recent visit, our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis tried the Jambalaya Burrito, Korean Beef Burrito and the signature “H-Job” wings, along with a MoCo Lite and a Surfside.
He says the Korean Beef Burrito was the standout. Anyone who enjoys the slightly sweet flavor commonly found in Korean-style dishes will likely love it. The combination of flavors made it one of the more memorable burritos we’ve had in the area.
The wings were another pleasant surprise. He ordered the H-Job wings and came away convinced they can compete with some of the best wings in Montgomery County. They earned an easy 10 out of 10.
According to Sanchez, the philosophy behind Beer Trade Co. has always been simple… “Grab a beer and chill.” After spending more than a decade building the concept in Florida, he has now brought it back to his hometown, giving Montgomery County residents a new destination for craft beer, great food and a relaxed place to gather.
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