Monaca Brewing is coming soon to downtown Monaca, PA. The brewery is working towards opening at 1000 Pennsylvania Avenue in a 5,000 square foot building.
We recently spoke with co-owner Norm Ely to learn more about the brewery and the space, so beer fans know what to expect when they open.
BIPA: Who is all involved in Monaca Brewing? How did you become initially interested in craft beer?
Norm: There are four of us partnering to open up Monaca Brewing: Norm Ely, Mario Leone, Ben Dougherty, and Steve Gates. Ben will be our brewer, he is also a trained chef from New Orleans. He currently runs Steve and Benny’s chicken shack, as well as the kitchen at the Recon Brewing Hastings location.
We have always been interested in craft beer, and the Pittsburgh scene is unbelievable. We love the older breweries as all the newer ones! Ben lives in Zelienople, so we go to all the breweries.
BIPA: What styles of beers will you focus on?
Norm: We plan on brewing a wide variety of styles at Monaca Brewing. Customers can expect East and West Coast IPAs, pale ales, wheat beers, a Kolsch, fruited sours, and even a coffee cream ale.
BIPA: Can you describe the space you are opening?
Norm: We are opening in a 5,000 sq/ft building on Main Street of Monaca, in the business district. The building was many things including a vape shop, a used furniture store, and a kids arcade, among other things.
The space will seat about 80, including about 18 at the 28-foot bar. We are also installing 12 taps at the bar. For the brew system, we are taking delivery soon of a 20 BBL brewhouse and five 20 BBL fermenters.
There will also be all PA liquor, wine, and specialty cocktails available. We plan to do brunches and to have beer mimosas and Bloody Mary’s available.
BIPA: Will you release crowlers/cans there as well?
Norm: We won’t be canning right away. After some time we will have 16oz cans to fill on-demand. We will also fill crowlers and growlers.
BIPA: Will there be food offered?
Norm: Yes, Monaca Brewing will have food! We will have chicken sandwiches from Steve and Bennys Chicken Shack, pulled pork sandwiches, some salads, and a few other small plates to offer.
BIPA: Anything else our readers should know about the Monaca Brewery?
Norm: The building has a big sidewalk in front, and we will be installing a 14-foot garage door there as well. Customers will be able to sit at a bar top right inside the garage door, or outside tables, and enjoy the outdoor space.
Make sure to follow Monaca Brewing on Facebook and Instagram. We will follow up once the brewery is ready to open!
