By Kate Bartlett
Steelbound recently announced their final plans for a $17.4 million expansion project to their current location at 6600 Route 219 in Ellicottville. Plans have been in the works for a while, and founder and partner William Bursee released final details of the project last month. This expansion will bring a 78-room hotel, conference and event center to the area, revitalizing the entire village of Ellicottville.
Bursee has always had a passion for brewing and distilling. “Like most brewers and distillers this idea started as a passion that I was fortunate to turn into a successful business. My dream of Steelbound began in 2015 when I designed and built our flagship location in Ellicottville, NY. In 2018 we opened our doors to the public (offering a delicious menu of handcrafted food, beers and creative cocktails). By 2020 I added four incredibly hard working and intelligent partners, (Bill Guigino, Jim Fleischman, Kody Sprague and Mark Baerwaldt) that have the same passion to grow this business. We quickly opened our second location in Springville, NY and followed by creating a template which allows us to franchise our brand. This led to our first franchise in Dunkirk, NY at the Clarion Conference Center and Hotel. Our second franchise location is currently breaking ground in Pahrump, NV which is just outside of the Vegas strip.”
The expansion will be taking place at the flagship location in Ellicottville, NY. “We will be building a 78-room hotel, with a conference and event center, along with a state-of-the-art sky bridge which will connect our two-story restaurant to our custom designed hotel. Also, we will be adding a grain silo and grain processing plant to streamline our brewing and distilling process.” The 35,000 square foot conference center will also feature a banquet hall with a 400-guest capacity. The sky bridge will offer spectacular panoramic views of the HoliMont and Holiday Valley slopes year-round. The expansion project is set to begin in early 2024 and is expected to be completed following year.
Steelbound will be unique from other hotels with their in-room offerings. “Our suites will be custom fitted with beer taps within these rooms for our guests to enjoy an experience which allows them to be their own personal bartender during their stay. Also, by having a full brewery and distillery on site, guests have the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind experience to work, stay and play in Ellicottville, NY.”
Not only does Bursee wish to expand the Steelbound brand, but he strives to provide a unique experience to his guests. “We really want to give more to our guests. The hotel expansion will allow our guests to experience our passions in a way that only we are able to do every single day. We hope to bring more tourism to the area, ultimately helping the Ellicottville community thrive. We have so much to offer here; Ellicottville deserves to shine.”
This expansion will have an incredible impact on Ellicottville and the surrounding area. Not only will it provide hundreds of jobs, but it will attract tourism from all interests and age-levels. From families seeking a weekend getaway to bachelor and bachelorette parties seeking a unique distillery experience to the business traveler, the Steelbound expansion offers something for everyone. Bill recognizes the depth of impact of this tourism. “These visitors bring business to our stores, shops and restaurants. The jobs we create bring families to the area helping create a larger community.”
Bill had the opportunity to expand in other locations, but wanted to keep his dream where it began in Ellicottville. “The community here is like no other. This is where Steelbound belongs.”
Steelbound is as unique as the area itself. Our brand is like no other because of our fearless group of partners who are willing to take the risk to not only achieve, but to exceed our dreams.”
For more information about Steelbound visit https://www.steelboundevl.com/ and follow on social media for updates on the expansion.