Big Oyster Brewery marks one-year distribution anniversary
Big Oyster Brewery recently celebrated one year of distribution sales in Delaware. "Being welcomed with open arms into both the brewing community and Delaware restaurant industry has been a major reason we were able to accomplish this," says Big Oyster Brewery owner Jeff Hamer.
When the Fins Hospitality Group of restaurants expansion began with Big Oyster Brewery, Hamer set the expectations high for the brew team and sales staff, and they did not disappoint. "We're very proud of what we've accomplished over the year, finishing more than 20 percent above our goal," says brand manager and special event coordinator Mike Anderson. "Our Big Oyster beers have been enjoyed at over 80 establishments statewide to date, and our head brewer Andrew Harton and assistant brewer Red Killpack have done a wonderful job making delicious beer that sells itself."
Harton, the head brewer, is no stranger to making good craft beer. What started out in his college basement led to Iron Hill Brewery, and now to Big Oyster where daily he continues to refine his craft by marrying traditional beer making with creative, modern flavor profiles and styles. Harton says, "Our first year of distribution has been focused on bridging the gap between the ways a typical production brewery operates versus a brewpub, because we are essentially both." Offering variety is important to Big Oyster. "Our approach to distribution has been different, because of our constantly changing offerings, of which our distributing partner NKS has been extremely understanding. We realized people aren't as committed to one beer style as they used to be. There are so many great beers on the market right now, limiting yourself to one beer or style would mean missing out on the whole craft beer movement," says Harton.
The Big Oyster Brewery sales team make their top priority keeping it personal, sending out its two-member sales team daily to manage relationships with current accounts all while continuing to develop new ones up and down the entire state. "You learn to download the best navigation apps out there, and definitely lots of lessons in patience and persistence," says brand promoter Briana Rovinskie. Proud of what this past year has brought and with big plans ahead for the future, Hamer can't say enough good things about the Big Oyster crew.
"Mike and Red have been with me a long time; I'm proud to see them evolve while getting a chance to do something they really enjoy, making good beer, building relationships to better our company, and working together to move forward toward more opportunity. Andrew's vision for a variety of distribution offerings is not only smart, but makes our distribution operations sustainable, allowing us to open more accounts, break into new markets, and most important for any business, to expand," says Hamer.
Big Oyster's next phase of expansion will happen in Maryland, where they are set to begin distribution along the Eastern Shore in December. For more information, go to www.BigOysterBrewery.com.
