Mason-Dixon Distillery to open in Gettysburg
Yianni Barakos encourages conversation.
A long community table, no TVs and a sign that says, "Put your phone down, talk to the person next to you," are a few features Barakos' new Mason-Dixon Distillery in Gettysburg will uphold.
The building, just over 9,000 square feet on East Water Street, is now under construction to become a local distillery and restaurant. Owned by Barakos and his father, George Barakos, the two plan to offer a savory menu guests can enjoy with on-site distilled rum, vodka and gin.
"The goal is to have drinks that are more than two parts," Yianni Barakos said. "We want to show people what can be done with alcohol."
Growing up, Barakos wanted to be a rocket scientist, he said. After taking craft distillery classes at Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago and eventually holding an apprenticeship, he figured out he could be one, just a different kind.
With plenty of research, his distillery plan was finally in place in 2014.
Barakos grows his corn and rye ingredients at Gettysburg National Military Park, he said, using each chance he has to source locally.
"The opportunity to farm on something so historic... It's an accessible way to take part of the battlefield home with you," said Barakos.
Choosing Gettysburg as his place of operation was a choice made by both he and his father. Although Barakos is originally from Lancaster County, he frequently visited the borough and liked the atmosphere, he said.
But the atmosphere had to continue through the inside of Mason-Dixon Distillery.
"I want a social environment," he said.
Barakos hopes to see a sense of community at his distillery, people engaging with each other at high-top tables or sparking a conversation while waiting to order food.
He wouldn't spill any definite menu options, but said it will be tapas style to encourage sharing and socialization.
"I want to give people an opportunity to try food they've never had in their life," Barakos said.
George Barakos, with a history in restaurants and a career as a pastry chef, will be the man behind the food.
Although excited about the endeavor, George Barakos never imagined he'd be working at a distillery.
"It's cool though... He's not as bossy as I thought he'd be," he joked about working with his son.
George Barakos likes the rustic, comfortable feel of the place and believes it fits well in Gettysburg.
In addition to the social restaurant, the owners will offer guided tours throughout their distillery for a small fee, Yianni Barakos said.
A glass door will separate the production area from the front, giving people a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. But if people want a more in-depth look of the process, they can register for a tour that includes free sampling, he said. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase a bottle.
The distillery plans to eventually offer whiskey to its customers, but since aging products take time, guests will have to be patient.
"I want people to have fun; I want to have fun," Barakos said. "I want this to be an 'every man' place, no particular crowd."
The distillery offers a parking lot and an outdoor seating project that will soon be turned into a courtyard for the warmer months.
Plans to open are scheduled for the end of the first quarter of the new year, Barakos said.
"I'm incredibly excited and humbled," he said. "I cannot imagine the level of excitement I'll have the day we open our doors."
What you should know
What: Mason-Dixon Distillery
Where: 331 E. Water St., Gettysburg
To stay connected: Visit masondixondistillery.com or search for Mason Dixon Distillery on Facebook