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:
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.
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.
In their October/November 2017 Issue, Mid-Atlantic Brewing News spotlights Olde Bedford Brewing Company’s plans to open soon in Bedford, Pennsylvania. The article, entitled “Resuming the Rebellion”, spotlights the unique partnership between OldeBBC and Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters. The two businesses joined forces this year to offer a unique business model. They also believe this will resonate with patrons of both businesses.
The article touches on the historical significance of Bedford, and its place in the history of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. George Washington (a brewmaster of his own right) used the Espy House, at 121 E. Pitt Street, as his headquarters when he and the United States Army marched into Pennsylvania to put down the rebellion.
Olde Bedford Brewing Company taps into this history with our slogan, “Join the Whiskey Rebellion,… Drink Beer!”.
Owners David and Mary Heller plan to use spring water from their farm, “Hideaway Ranch”, on Blue Knob Mountain. They also grow their own award-winning hops, which has received much attention from agriculture experts in the state.
OldeBBC plans to open its doors in early 2018. The ten-tap brewpub will occupy a portion of Jimmy Fungeroli’s sporting goods business. Additionally, he brew pub will feature rustic decor and will continue to play on the theme of the town’s historic relevance in the whiskey rebellion and other early American history. Check out items available in their store.
Bedford, a town of 2800, is the county seat of Bedford County, PA. The Hellers are native of the area and are seeing their dream of opening a brew pub come true this year. Most of all, as the first brewery ever to sell beer in Bedford, we are excited to build a new legacy for our great town.
Click here to go to the article in the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News October/November 2017 Issue.