“Every batch of beer that David and Mary Heller craft at Olde Bedford Brewing Company tells a story. ” And we were proud to tell our story to Positively Pennsylvania.
This article shares the story of our approach to locally sourced beer, and how each ingredient and each beer produced is ultimately part of a grander story. One that is uniquely Pennsylvanian, and even more uniquely Bedford County.
The article tells of the history of Bedford and of the Hideaway Ranch, the century-old farm that has been in the Heller’s family for almost half a century. And David and Mary’s passion for Pennsylvania and supporting the agricultural community is clearly demonstrated.
“You can experience local,” David Heller said. “It’s great for someone like us to have a customer in from Pittsburgh and we can tell them how it was made, where it came from and they can go up to Dancing Star Farms and see for themselves. It helps to educate the public on how important agriculture is to their everyday life.”
Read the rest of the article to learn about how we tie history into every aspect of the process. The Hellers integrate the historical context into all of their brews. And they have some interesting offerings coming in the future.
Olde BBC is proud to receive two awards from the first Pennsylvania Farm Show Beer Competition in January 2019. In early December 2018, expert judges evaluated 152 entries in 14 categories from 28 craft breweries across the state. Entries ranging from Schwarzbiers to Hefeweizens, and Saisons to Stouts illustrated the diverse range and quality of Pennsylvania-produced craft brews and the creativity of the state’s brewers.
“We are thrilled at the quality and variety of entries for our first statewide beer contest,” Cook said. “This enthusiastic group of craft brewers demonstrates the passion, talent, and drive that has made Pennsylvania number one in the nation. Congratulations to our competitors, and to their customers who will enjoy the taste of their success.”
Olde BBC entered two brews in “Fruit, Herb, Vegetable” category. “Fat Jimmy’s Arancia Orange Peel Wheat” won Third place in the competition. And we are proud to announce that our “Sons of the Forest Spruce Tip Ale” won First Place!
Below are pictures of owners David & Mary Heller and Assistant Brewer Jay Thorpe.
Click here for the press release.
Brewers of PA is a non-profit association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania based breweries, businesses that support brewing and enthusiast members in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. On their website, they wrote an article about OldeBBC and highlighted our unique approach to connecting brewing with the local history and economy, and how we utilize local products in the production of many of our brews.
Read the full article here.
We were so encouraged by the great turnout for our ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 6th. Well over 100 people attended the event and opened up Bedford’s first microbrewery in style!
Now that we are “officially” opened, we want to remind you that our hours are the following:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 2-8pm
- Friday and Saturday 2-9
- Closed Sunday and Tuesday
We look forward to seeing you soon. Enjoy the video of our opening ceremony.
The January/February 2018 issue of “The New Brewer” magazine features breweries utilizing unique synergistic relationships with other businesses to expand their customer base. The magazine is published by the Brewers Association, which supports small and independent craft breweries. This issue’s topic was “the Business of Beer”. It focused on the value of infrequent customers, unusual business models, exports, ESOPs, and satellite tasting rooms. It highlights the OldeBBC and Fat Jimmy’s innovative business model.
The article describes another brewery which combined a bicycle repair shop and a brewery under one roof. They found that a lot of cyclists either begin or end their day at the brewery. “We hope to find a similar interest from the customer’s of Fat Jimmy’s”, owner Dave Heller said.
Jimmy Fungaroli, a long-time friend of the Hellers, owns Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters. He offered them space last year. OldeBBC will utilize 1500 square feet inside his building and another 500 square feet outside for a patio. A split-rail fence will wall off the brewing business from the sporting goods store. The businesses are co-located at 109 Railroad Street, in Bedford, PA.
Synergies Between the Two
The businesses will attempt to find synergies between their customers. For example, participants in Fat Jimmy’s weekly cycling classes will receive a dollar off pints.
Additionally, Olde Bedford Brewing Company plans to open a remote taproom at the Heller’s Hideaway Ranch, near the Blue Knob State Park. Riders who take advantage of the beautiful scenery and incredible biking trails will be able to stop in for a cold beer during their ride.
The Brewery intends to open this Spring. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
