Bedford County brewery ranks in top 8 small-town PA breweries
Olde Bedford Brewing was featured as one of the top 8 small town breweries in Pennsylvania. Photo: Provided.
“Pennsylvania has over 400 microbreweries, so it is an honor and privilege to be featured in the top 8,” Olde Bedford Brewing Company owner and brewmaster Dave Heller said about the brewery’s recent recognition.
Startup Alleghenies held its kickoff event at Olde Bedford Brewing. “That event was an immediate way for us to get on the map and for people to know who we are,” Heller said. Then, good beer like No Toes West Coast IPA, propelled Olde Bedford Brewing Company to success.
Research and education were key to making an exceptional product, plus, Heller explained, “We have a farm-to-cask business model, so we have complete control over our ingredients.”
“When we started there were no other breweries in our area, and we knew that there was a solid customer base looking for this type of experience,” he said. “We interviewed local establishments to get a solid idea of consumption rates, the number of pours each month and the number of kegs used.”
Now, providing the ultimate customer experience is at the core of the team’s mission. “Collaborating with other small businesses helps us to support the Pennsylvania economy and offer a high-end experience for our guests,” Heller shared.
To enhance these experiences, Heller and his team are opening a glamping destination. “In the foothills of Blue Knob, you’ll be able to relax, fish, hike and stroll through the hops gardens,” Heller shared. “Now we will have to craft a beer to go with the outdoor adventure experience!”
Heller offers this advice if you plan to be in the manufacturing industry, regardless of what you make: “Education is key. Know or learn how to scale your business and do market research to ensure the market can sustain what you manufacture.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
