Owners Todd and Dawn Seaton, with scissors, cut the ribbon to Old Black Bear Brewery, Taproom, Coffee Shop and Kitchen at 212 Main St. in downtown Madison. RECORD PHOTO/ALAN BROWN

MADISON – If the grand opening was any indication, Old Black Bear Brewery will make its mark as Madison’s newest feel-good hangout for good food and libations.

Many residents have waited anxiously since the April 2013 announcement that Old Black Bear would open in Madison at 212 Main St.

The taproom, coffee shop and kitchen occupy the former site of Bandito Burrito and the adjacent storefront, which formerly housed Western Auto operated for decades by Gene Anderson. His sons, Larry and Walt Anderson, owned this Main Street property, along with several other downtown parcels on Main and Church streets.

Todd Seaton is Old Black Bear company president, and Dawn Seaton is vice president of finance.

Old Black Bear promises “a beverage that you can enjoy with your friends after a hardworking day. (We) assure you that every Old Black Bear Beer you drink will be of the highest quality and offer you drinkability and refreshment that is unmatched by any other small, craft brewery.” (oldblackbear.com)

The brewery’s signature beverages include Cafe City Lager, a light beer; Speckled Trout American Wheat, a flavored light; OktoBEARfest light; Roaming Bear American Porter dark beer; Milepost 652 hoppy beer; and Chocolate Eruption Coffee Porter and Single Bear-rel Porter, both flavored darks.

“The sudden and continuous influx of people was beyond overwhelming for our first night. But the compliments on our staff, food, beer and the newly designed space vastly outweighed the constructive criticisms we received,” the Seatons said on their Facebook page.

One diner at opening night had rave reviews for the chicken and waffle entree.

A patio/courtyard area in back will accommodate open-air concerts. Parking is open on Main and Martin streets.

“We couldn’t be more happy to be in Madison, Alabama, and we want our venue to be a destination that you are excited to frequent,” they stated.

Old Black Bear originally opened at 201 East Side Square, Suite 11, in Huntsville. Their company slogan is “Hard work has its reward.”

For more information, call 256-226-1032, email to todd@oldblackbear.com or visit oldblackbear.com or Facebook/Old Black Bear.