Celia Hernandez, Contributing Photographer

Armada Brewing collected donations on behalf of the Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter as their customers dressed up their furry friends as butterflies, spiders, chickens and more, and paraded them around the brewery on Sunday afternoon. 

While all of the pups received plenty of pets and treats from the owner’s daughter, the pups present for the award ceremony were rewarded with Halloween-themed dog toys, from Freddy Krueger to Chucky to a spider.   

“We wanted to do something fun for our customers, and I had seen some funny and cute pictures of animals dressed up, so we sent out the idea in our newsletter,” John Kraszewski, the founder and owner of Armada Brewing, said. “We’re also trying to bring some awareness to the animal shelter.”

Kraszewski launched Armada Brewing in 2017 and relocated to a former Bigelow Boiler Company building in Fair Haven in 2022. Armada Brewing restored the industrial space, which now features two family-friendly taprooms, a beer manufacturing plant and murals painted by Alexandra Kraszewski of modified illustrations from beer labels designed by Scott Buon. 

The brewery is now a favorite of Fair Haven and New Haven locals and visitors alike. Armada Brewery serves draft beers crafted in the brewery, cocktails, wines, ciders, non-alcoholic beverages and some small plates. However, they try to emphasize that they are not a restaurant and encourage customers to support local businesses by bringing outside food in to accompany their drinks.

Armada also welcomes pets into the brewery regularly to enjoy the space alongside their owners.

“We were excited to bring Calvin to get some enrichment at one of his favorite places. He comes to Armada for most holidays so today should be no different,” Tara Kleinberg, owner of Calvin who was dressed as a chicken, said. “Everyone’s always so friendly to him and they always have treats.” 

Kraszewski noted that Armada Brewing tries to host regular events. In October, they hosted Paradise Alley Pro Wrestling in the parking lot, horror trivia and a performance of the Dracula soundtrack by the Haven String Quartet. Armada Brewing is also available for private events and partners with local caterers. 

Armada Brewing will be hosting a Halloween party featuring a DJ, dance party, cocktails and more on Oct. 31, although Kraszewski jokingly remarked that dogs won’t be invited to this event. Tickets are $10 at the door and costumes are required for entry. 

“We’ve been coming here for a few years. Armada feels like our neighborhood, and the owners are the best,” Laura Campbell, the owner of Rudy, a pug disguised as Missy Elliott in a bedazzled pink and black jumpsuit, said. “They treat everyone like friends and host lots of cool things to bring the community together. It’s nice to have a spot away from Downtown,” Rudy’s other owner, Brendan Galvin, added.

All donations collected at the puppy costume parade benefitted The Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter, a volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that works with the Robin I Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter. The shelter is the second largest municipal animal shelter in Connecticut, taking in about 1,400 dogs and cats each year. 

Armada Brewing is located at 190 River St.