MONEYSAVER SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 I
639 Norton Dr, Olean, NY 14760 I
716.372.3121
CAR. TR. MKTG MAIL US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 244 BRADFORD, PA Occupant Rural-Star Route P.O. Box Holder
GUIDE Wellsville Brewing Company cultivates homey pub atmosphere
By ANDREW MOWRER
WELLSVILLE — Started as a retirement project among friends, Wellsville Brewing Company strives to harness a homey pub atmosphere. And with its hand-crafted front doors, front bay leather armchairs, various glossed wooden tables and a standing bar to facilitate casual conversation, the local brewery does just that. Patrons listen as an unobtrusive radio plays music at a comfortable level, watch as large bay windows let in natural light and open up to the street and speak with acquaintances under soft lighting in an intimate setting. “We have tables and chairs but no bar stools,” said owner Tom Reuning, who has worked hard to cultivate the image of Wellsville Brewing as a small-town pub. “People come and stand at the bar or they sit down and talk,” he added. “It’s more of a conversation
Photos by Andrew Mowrer Visitors enjoy craft beer with locally-grown ingredients at Wellsville Brewing Company, located at 104 N. Main St. in Wellsville.
bar. We haven’t had too much music except for the speakers we added to play the radio.” Purchased in February of 2016 by partners Tom Reuning, Shaun Walsh, Ed Fahs and Jim Knapp, the Wellsville Brewing Company is located at 104 N. Main St. The building was gutted, with large renovation
projects performed by the four partners, and opened for business in October of 2018. The facility has a threebarrel brewing system that supplies the 11 craft beers on tap at the pub. A 12th tap is reserved for a rotation of ciders from local craft cideries. “We’re making about 90 gallons to serve, and
because of our small kitchen, we’re constantly brewing,” he said. Brew flavors include A River Ramble IPA, Mosaic Skies, Brent’s Smoked Scotch Ale, Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, Cuddle’s Irish Red Ale and their signature brew, Killer Light, which has its own dedicated brew barrel. In tune with the owners’
intention to maintain the pub’s low-profile, light refreshments from local venues are the only foods served. Described as a farm brewery, 60% of the brews’ grain is local. Additionally, their cheeses come from Cuba and their meats come from Wilson Farm in Canaseraga. “We don’t really have a restaurant,” he said. “We serve small plates for finger foods, sandwiches and soup in the winter, but what we mainly want is to have a welcoming, casual atmosphere.” Kept behind the bar are menus of all the local restaurants within walking distance of Main Street, so people can either order out or go out and come back to the bar at will. “It seems like most of the time people don’t really care about loud music and food,” he said. “It’s a homey place for friends and family.” Wellsville Brewing Company is open from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.