Kate Bartlett-
As we prepare for the annual Ellicottville Beer and Wine Festival, let’s take a look at how one of the most iconic breweries and restaurants got started. Ellicottville Brewing Company has been a seasonal destination and regional staple for many visitors and locals alike. EBC has grown to 4 locations including Ellicottville, Fredonia, Bemus Point, the Tap + Bottle Taqueria also in Ellicottville and soon to be 5th location in Little Valley opening mid-December
Ellicottville Brewing Company was started by Peter Kreinheder after he experienced the western skiing and brewpub vibe and craved bringing it back to the east coast. Peter’s father-in-law, Skip Yahn, is affectionately known for his vision around Holiday Valley and crafting Ellicottville into the four-season destination that it has become. That being said, Peter was familiar with the perfect ski town in which to nestle his own personal vision.
“The first location started as a small brewpub on Monroe Street in Ellicottville and has since grown into an Ellicottville staple, both for après ski and large-scale events alike,” says Topper, manager of EBC’s Bemus Point location as well as the all new Pub & Pizzeria in Little Valley. “It has become a college town attraction in Fredonia, a lakeside hotspot in Bemus Point, a unique bottle shop with Mexican flare on Main St in Ellicottville, and now a production facility with an expansive Event Center and Neapolitan Style Pizzeria in Little Valley.”
“EBC is a physical location, a taste, and a lasting camaraderie that entertains from a place of genuine depth. When you walk into EBC, you immediately experience a warmth akin to cracking a cold one by a wood fire post a dozen runs or more. It’s the relaxed and cozy feeling met with consistent excellence in food, beer, and service that upholds our success.”
“The craft beer industry is expansive and is only ever growing. EBC has always aimed to charter that path by way of staying on top of attractive beer styles before they’re nationally recognized. For instance, we’ve maintained the hazy IPA trend while using our east coast beer sales numbers to guide us toward the next biggest thing.”
“Blueberry Wheat will forever be our staple beer. Men love the wheat-based brew while non-beer-drinking women even have an affinity for the sweetness of it thanks to the blueberries. Pumpkinville Latte has been a huge hit in the fall. Fall Fest in Ellicottville is a wild ride, and introducing this beer, segments itself away from the classic pumpkin style fall beer with the addition of coffee notes has only enhanced our uniqueness and attractiveness to locals and visitors alike.” Ohioans have fallen love with this seasonal beer.
When asked what is unique about EBC, Topper replies, “What isn’t unique about EBC? We are who we are. We brew, serve, and entertain from the heart and keep our intentions very real no matter what. We’re proud to maintain that throughout our multiple locations and beyond.”
“At all of our locations, we pride ourselves on service. We aren’t a cookie cutter operation where you’ll have the same experience every time you come to eat and/or drink. Training our staff really means unearthing their own strengths and attributes and molding those intrinsic strengths to our business standards to offer exceptional and matchless service to each and every guest.”
“The experience speaks for itself. Reviews are powerful in today’s day and age, and we’re so grateful for journalism that highlights our local businesses. Still, nothing meets or exceeds interpersonal connectedness that comes from being there in person. Like Joe Gibbs says ‘Look for players with character and ability. But remember, character comes first.’” Many may have the ability, but the character of EBC is what sets them apart from the rest.
Visit all the EBC locations including 28 Monroe Street in Ellicottville, 34 W Main Street in Fredonia, 57 Lakeside Drive in Bemus Point (seasonally May-October), EBC’s Tap + Bottle Taqueria at 20 Washington Street also in Ellicottville, and opening mid-December The Pub & Pizzeria at 202 Second Street in Little Valley. View menu, hours and features online www.ellicottvillebrewing.com.