Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Burns. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Buffalo Rock Brewing Company was founded in 2020 when two brothers, Timothy, and Troy Burns, along with friend, Brian Wilson decided it would be fun to venture out into the craft industry following many years of homebrewing. While original intentions were to open in 2020, the Covid pandemic created different plans for us. Our desire was to create a pub where friends and visitors can come and enjoy a craft beer and build lasting relationships in the process.
The name, Buffalo Rock Brewing Company, comes from the large rock outcropping sitting in the middle of the Maumee River in Waterville, Ohio. The outcropping, formally known as Roche de Boeuf, literally translates into “Rock of Beef” and is known as “Buffalo Rock”. When you visit, you will quickly see the influence of the history of the Waterville area as we utilize many historical locations, figures, and buildings in naming our beers.
Our goal at Buffalo Rock Brewing Company is to provide beer lovers more than just a drinking experience, but rather one that enhances their culture and relieves the stress of daily life. Repurposing an old car wash into a brewpub with glass garage doors allows guests to sit inside or outside and still enjoy the fresh air. Live music and/or trivia along with local food trucks can be found daily.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, the process went very smooth. The biggest difficulty in the process stemmed from the Covid pandemic in the fact it delayed the processes of obtaining a building and getting permits through. Anyone in the building remodeling knows that there are things exposed in the demolition process that create disruptions to what was originally planned.
On top of that, the owners took on repurposing an old carwash on their own. They did all of the work on the building, with exception of the drywall, in the evenings and on weekends. All three owners continue to maintain their original jobs, so managing a home, work life, and a construction project was not easy in any way.
Looking back, however, the project went very smooth and Buffalo Rock Brewing Company opened just weeks after the mask mandate in Ohio was lifted. People who drove by the project throughout the process and the local community came out to support us immediately.
Since opening, the ability to manage the growth has probably been the biggest hurdle. The brewery had to expand brewing operation three times in the first 18 months.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
The complete makeup of the three owners has allowed the company to become who they are. Tim has a background in homebuilding, Brian an engineer, and Troy an engineering, manufacturing, and business management. Combine their backgrounds and their passion for brewing beer and it became a perfect match. Starting the brewery has allowed them to see a vision that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Take the chance to do what you love before it is too late.
The fact that the three owners came together and created the place with minimal outside resources really creates a sense of pride in the place. Countless hours were put into the building. Literally, blood, sweat, and tears were put into creating an environment that may not be the fanciest place in town, but it feels like home.
What sets Buffalo Rock Brewing Company apart from others places is that Buffalo Rock grew out of a dream to provide a place for people to come and relate to each other again. In the past, people used to go sit on their neighbor’s porch and talk. Today’s society has become so caught up in social media, fast-paced work environments, and technology-driven environments. The brewers wanted to create an environment where people come back home to relate to each other again. You don’t see 10-15 televisions hanging on the wall, only one. That one remains off the majority of the time and in most instances is showing bison roaming the plains or maybe a fireplace burning to create a peaceful scene. The brewery also likes to support live music from local musicians. There are glass garage doors that open to create a wide-open space for customers to sit out on open patios and relax. It is an inviting environment to people of all ages as well as our furry friends. Local food trucks and a local pastry chef provide good eats daily.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks, wow. The entire project was taking risks. From the onset of even opening a brewery in an area where within 15 minutes there are ten others was a big risk. Hours of research into locations, size, environment, equipment choices allowed the risk to be minimized to some degree, but signing that first piece of paper of commitment brought on fear, excitement, and determination.
The hardest problem is to make sure all of the risks are looked at. There is more than a financial risk involved. Obviously, if the business fails, there is a financial risk. More so is the risks emotionally. It was not easy balancing careers and home life in the process. The time away from family and loved ones to own and operate the business still comes into play even after opening. There are times when each of the owners had to walk away for periods of time to recover from the stress and long hours. The great news is that each one picks up the role of the other when they are away.
The risks don’t necessarily end either. Managing continued growth, determining the next steps continue present risks. For Buffalo Rock, those risks include outside distribution, increasing equipment, additional locations, etc. While they are huge risks, the risks are what provides the opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.buffalorockbrewing.com
- Instagram: buffalo_rock_brewing_company
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloRockBrewing/
Image Credits
Colin Burns
