Craft beer meets culinary fusion at popular Johnstown brewery
Jeremy Shearer and his team celebrate their ‘Best of Johnstown’ awards. From left to right Jeremy Shearer, Jennifer Shearer (owners, just named best brewery in the region), Skylee Palicka (runner-up best bartender), Chloe Whorl (winner, best server), Aubrielle Furfari (runner-up best server), Rebecca Bennett (executive chef).
“Stone Bridge Brewing/CRAFT Restaurant emerged as a stupid idea at a bar,” Jeremy Shearer recalled. “A conversation with a friend ignited the spark of possibility. We thought Johnstown needed a brewery.”
Now the founder of Stone Bridge Brewing/CRAFT Restaurant, Shearer’s journey from humble beginnings to ambitious expansion plans is a testament to the power of determination, creativity and a commitment to excellence.
“We started looking at possible locations and opened the brewery in 2018,” he continued. “Initially, it was more of a hobby, and we didn’t offer food, but when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we boldly decided to go all-in, adding a restaurant to the space.”
Craft beer and culinary fusion set apart Stone Bridge Brewing/CRAFT Restaurant.
Growing with support and collaboration
Startup Alleghenies played a crucial role in the success of Shearer’s venture. “Through organizations like Startup Alleghenies and JARI, we received small loans and gained access to valuable resources,” he said. “Our coach Blake Fleegle guided us through tax credits and initiatives, becoming a trusted sounding board for growth-oriented discussions.”
Our secret sauce lies in our relentless pursuit of being different. By traveling extensively and immersing ourselves in diverse food cultures, we brought a fresh perspective to our restaurant.
Shearer emphasized the importance of seeking help and networking, citing his transformation from a “do it yourself” entrepreneur to someone who now recognizes the value of collaboration and support. “The do-it-yourself mentality often permeates the entrepreneurial spirit,” he said, “but it’s important to connect with others, leveraging resources and expanding networks. Opportunities for growth and success are abundant when individuals come together to support and uplift one another.”
Offering a variety of craft beers, Stone Bridge can now brew over 1,000 gallons at a time.
The motivation behind the dream
Shearer’s passion for craft beer and the dining experience served as the driving force behind Stone Bridge Brewing/CRAFT Restaurant. He and his wife Jennifer spent decades running restaurants that focused on craft beer and spent time in California in the 1990s during the craft beer movement, which helped motivate them for this entrepreneurial journey. Plus, he said, “Failure was not an option; the determination to make our dream a reality stemmed from my military background, where finding a way to succeed was ingrained.”
Launching a concept that deviated from the standard fare of burgers, pizzas and wings was risky, but Shearer and his team believed Johnstown was ready for something different and have created an atmosphere that must be experienced. “Above all, our exceptional employees embody the artisanship and dedication required to create memorable dining experiences,” he said.
The region’s revitalization has attracted a growing number of people seeking a unique experience. With the allure of mountain-based tourism, outdoor activities and a demand for quality craft beer, we have seen greater success than we could have imagined.
“With an emphasis on Asian fusion cuisine and craft beer, we aim to provide the town with an extraordinary culinary experience,” he continued. “Our secret sauce lies in our relentless pursuit of being different. By traveling extensively and immersing ourselves in diverse food cultures, we brought a fresh perspective to our restaurant.”
“There is a resurgence in downtown Johnstown, brought on by unique and forward-thinking restaurants,” Fleegle said. “Stone Bridge/CRAFT is an integral part of that resurgence. They took a risk to be different, and it is paying off for them and the City.”
From success to expansion, positioned perfectly in the Alleghenies
Shearer believes that the Alleghenies, particularly Cambria County, is ideally positioned for businesses like Stone Bridge Brewing/CRAFT Restaurant. “The region’s revitalization, driven by passionate individuals yearning for change, has attracted a growing number of people seeking a unique experience,” he said. “With the allure of mountain-based tourism, outdoor activities like backpacking and mountain biking and a demand for quality craft beer, we have seen greater success than we could have imagined.”
The journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary for Shearer and his team. “Our initial capacity to produce beer was 80 gallons at a time—we can now produce over 1,000 gallons at a time,” he said. “After opening the taproom in 2021, we recognized our customers’ desire for more than just beer; we introduced a modern craft kitchen offering farm-to-table options. In late 2022, a wine loft with a 1,500-bottle cellar and Spanish-style tapas was unveiled. And most recently, a new taproom opened in Greensburg, showcasing our commitment to community building and expansion.”
As the business continues to evolve and expand, it inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. “By reaching out, seeking guidance and daring to be different, anyone can turn their passion into a profitable reality,” Shearer said.
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.
