Long before there was craft beer brewing on the waterfront, this building was at the heart of Salvage's fishing industry.

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For generations, the local fish plant provided employment for residents and supported families throughout the community. It was more than a workplace. It was part of the rhythm of daily life in Salvage, where the fishing industry shaped both the economy and the identity of the town. 

In 2001, tragedy struck when the original fish plant was destroyed by fire during the operating season. Thankfully, nobody was injured. The loss was deeply felt throughout the community, but the determination of local residents remained strong. The facility was rebuilt in 2002 and returned to operation, continuing its role as one of Salvage's most important employers. 

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That chapter came to an end in 2013 when the plant closed its doors. For many people, the closure represented more than the loss of jobs. It marked the end of an era for a building that had served as a gathering place, workplace, and symbol of the community's connection to the sea. 

Several years later, a new vision began to emerge.

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In 2019, work started to transform the former fish plant into something entirely different while honouring the history that came before it. Rather than allowing the building to sit empty, the goal was to breathe new life into a place that had long been part of Salvage's story. Extensive reconstruction gradually reshaped the industrial facility into what is now the Salvaje Longhouse.

The name Salvaje itself reflects that connection to place. It comes from an early spelling of "Salvage," linking the project to the community's history while embracing a new future. 

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Today, the Longhouse is home to Salvaje Brewing Co., our kitchen, café, and event space, welcoming both locals and visitors from across Newfoundland and beyond. What was once a centre of fish processing has become a place for gathering, conversation, music, food, and locally crafted beer. The transformation has attracted attention as an example of how historic coastal infrastructure can be reimagined while preserving the spirit of the communities that built it. 

On September 24, 2025, the Longhouse officially opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both the building and the community.

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Nowadays, people once again gather inside a building that has been part of Salvage's story for decades. The purpose may have changed, but the sense of community remains the same. The Longhouse stands as a reminder that places, like communities, can evolve while still honouring where they came from.

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