Butler Brew Works

People

Nick Fazzoni and Travis Tuttle worked for a huge, stable corporation, but thirsted for adventure. That, and beer. The two started brewing their own and racking up beer festival awards. They turned away would-be buyers of their ales and lagers, but frothed with desire to go pro. “Craft beer in its essence is adventurous,” says Nick. “It’s sort of the new frontier of beer.” When a Butler building went up for sale, they glimpsed their future brew pub.

Progress

They foraged for financing, but banks told them to come back after they had a track record. The Progress Fund suggested that they refine their business plan at the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center. They did, and The Progress Fund loaned them $215,000.

Impact

Butler is the birthplace of the Jeep, the ultimate adventure machine. With offerings from the strawberry-sweetened Amelia (for Earhart) ale to invigorating Ponce De Saison beer and sharply hopped Machete IPA, Butler Brew Works also braves new terrain. Seating 80 indoors and more out back, it’s a perfect complement to the Butler Centre City redevelopment effort next door. Their goal: “To help Butler to be a destination,” says Nick. “Craft beer fans will travel for good beer.”

This project was financed in part using Pennsylvania Small Business Credit Initiative (PSBCI) funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Progress Fund is an equal opportunity provider and employer.