By Kate Bartlett
The Barrel Factory in the Old First Ward District of Buffalo has been a destination for the last 10 years for weddings, events, spirit tastings and dining. They also offer 7 loft style apartments. Built in 1903 on the legendary Buffalo River, the building was originally renovated to serve as a Distillery, but has evolved into so much more.
Factory as it is today.
Steve Bystran and his wife Andrea (Andi) are owners and founders of The Barrel Factory Distillery, and undertook the renovations of The Barrel Factory as it is today. “The goal was to create a craft distillery,” explains Steve. “We originally had no intention of purchasing and reconstructing an old building.” After speaking with numerous developers, Steve and Andi were having a difficult time finding a good fit. “Things just weren’t working out,” says Steve. “So, we decided to explore other options.”
In 2013, Steve came across The Barrel Factory, located at 65 Vandalia Street in the Old First Ward district of Buffalo. The building was nearly vacant, but not for sale. He saw potential in the space, and worked hard to obtain ownership. After some negotiation, he acquired the property, and began reconstruction in 2014. His vision was to create a craft distillery, and worked with a planning team to create a space that best utilized the 45,000 available square feet. They paid special attention to recycling and reusing any available materials, preserving its beauty and history as much as possible. Now, 10 years after purchasing the property, and over 100 years after it was built, The Barrel Factory currently houses a Distillery, with 3 unique event spaces, Tasting Room, restaurant, catering kitchen, and 7 loft style apartments.
The Barrel Factory was built in 1903 near the legendary Buffalo River. The large, multi-level brick structure was home for many decades to Quaker City Cooperage Co., manufacturers of wooden slack barrels used for grain, malt, apples and more. The original maple floors are still in use in the event center, and the building’s red bricks that were made on site have been preserved and refurbished into the building’s façade/exterior. When the cooperage closed, the property was used for various light industrial and packaging companies.
The Distillery first opened their doors in 2016, with a fully operational distillery, tasting room and bar. Currently, the Distillery produces 2 vodkas (loganberry and plain, both made solely from corn grown in Western New York), 2 gins, 1 whiskey, and 3 types of rum. The in-house bar is fully stocked with their liquors, craft cocktails and offering tastings on site. Their products are sold at 25 local liquor stores and shipping will soon be available around the country.
The Barrel Factory has a full restaurant on site, with a separate catering kitchen upstairs for weddings and events. The menu features dishes utilizing the spirits made on site, and also Western New York favorites like Fish Fry, Whiskey Braised Brisket and Chicken Piccata. The atmosphere is inviting and warm, charming and historic.
The Barrel Factory has become a popular event venue, especially for weddings and corporate events. The large, loft style space can accommodate up to 250 for seated events and creates a unique, historic vibe of industrial elegance. “Our space really shines for events,” says Steve. “Our hospitality team does a great job of using our unique open space, creating an enchanted setting for any wedding or special event. There’s a story behind this building, and we invite others to make it a part of their story too.” The team also hosts various corporate events, as the space holds 379 with efficient setup for screens, projectors and meeting space.
The Loft apartments at The Barrel Factory opened in 2017 offering some of the first flats in the Old First Ward District during its resurgence. “We knew this area was unique, and we decided to invest in it” says Steve. “These 7 apartments are never empty and have been in high demand ever since we started renting.” Apartments include 1 or 2 bedrooms, some with a second story loft inside the apartment. All have an open floorplan and modern amenities.
The Barrel Factory has played a critical role in the revival of the Old First Ward neighborhood. “We’re proud to be a part of such a wonderful community,” says Steve. “We live here ourselves and there’s really something special here.”
For more information visit www.barrelfactory.com email events@barrelfactory.com and follow on social media.