If you have been following our series, you know we usually highlight BHZ team members, but today’s post is about a great friend and collaborator, Brian McLaughlin. Brian is the owner of Seabird Coffee Co. We’ve worked together on our iconic coffee-inspired beers: Joe Bird, Irish Hello, Karma Coast, Mas Mocha, and Magia del Campo.
Seabird is located in Cohasset’s village center with a second location opening soon in Scituate. As Brian describes it, Seabird provides a fun experience and quality coffee while simultaneously tying this small community together. We highly recommend checking Seabird out!
But Brian isn’t stopping there! He’s tapping into his love for Mexican food, and restaurant background, to open a new dining experience in Hingham: Locales Tacos y Tequila. Brian has a long history of working in Mexican-inspired restaurants when living in Arizona and California. He’s looking forward to bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the South Shore. Grand opening date is yet to be announced, but we’re definitely excited to give Locales a try.
Now here’s 5 Minutes with … Brian McLaughlin
Where are you from originally? Long Island, New York.
What’s your relationship with BHZ? I was introduced to founder Russ Heissner by a friend when BHZ was looking to create a coffee-focused beer. Our first collab was such a great experience that we decided to keep going. I believe we’ve done five so far. I’m so happy and proud of the company that they are, and grateful that they chose to collaborate with Seabird.
What's the best part about collaborating with BHZ? The commonality that I have with Russ and Mary Heissner. Russ grew up in San Jose, and I opened a restaurant there in 2006. We have an East and West coast connection. Russ also has a breath of knowledge and passion for brewing. He is someone I can learn from. For me, the ease of working together is the best.
Favorite BHZ beer? Love the craft hard seltzers! I had never been a seltzer-drinker, I found most of them artificial tasting. Barrel House Z craft hard seltzers are amazing. I also love Stay Classy, which is a great take on the West Coast IPA. Guava Calling Fruited Blonde Ale is another fav.
Favorite non-BHZ beer? I love a Mexican lager, so Pacifico.
Favorite place to enjoy a beer? My back porch, with my kids playing in the backyard, looking out at the ocean, and listening to music.
Why should beer enthusiasts visit BHZ? If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’re interested in the brewing process and the creativity of brewer. BHZ does a great job at showcasing that, experimenting, and pushing boundaries.
What do you do outside of work/ in your free time? I have three daughters. Besides coaching them in lacrosse, I like to play lacrosse myself. I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy getting out in the water and trying to surf.
Interviewed by Catherine Rice