USA, NY: BriteSmith Brewing now open for guests in Williamsville
Overlooking Ellicott Creek, BriteSmith Brewing is now open for guests to raise a glass at the bar or share a plate with family and friends in the Village of Williamsville, the Amherst Bee reported on February 18.
“The vision was to have a world-class craft brewery — the first one in the Village of Williamsville in a long time,” said managing partner David Schutte, also owner of Oliver’s and Creekview restaurants.
“The future of craft beer is not just making great beer, but to create an experience around craft beer that encompasses both hospitality, great food that matches well with the beer, craft cocktails for those who may want something before or after a beer, and great wines by the glass as well.”
BriteSmith Brewing, at 5609-5611 Main St., offers innovative brews and a knowledgeable staff. The complex includes two buildings: the brewery and the taproom/dining space.
Throughout the years, the property has been home to different trades and businesses. One of the earliest uses of the building was that of a blacksmith shop.
In the early 1900s, Louis Lorich bought the property, now home to BriteSmith Brewing, to run the village blacksmith shop. After the decline of horse-drawn vehicles, Lorich shifted his focus to welding, and his teenage son, Marvin, began to work at the shop, which became L.M. Lorich Welding. Marvin worked at the shop until it closed in 1978.
“We tried to restore the building to look like its old self, which was an old barn 100 years ago,” Schutte said, adding that the Lorich family has gifted BriteSmith with original tools that were used in their shop, as well as horseshoes, signs and photographs that are displayed throughout the building.
According to Schutte, BriteSmith is planning to have between nine and 10 craft beers, specially brewed by BriteSmith Brewing, and around six guest taps. In addition to beer, cocktails and wine are available.
“There’s a lot of local connection to our beer names,” Schutte said. Examples include the Wills’ Pils, Billie Haze, BriteSmith IPA and Dream Island Gose, among others.
The extensive beer list is also available in flights. For a flight, guests can choose four 5-ounce pours from the craft beer list to sample and then choose one that they may want to order as a pint.
The east building sits along the western bank of Ellicott Creek and includes a wall of windows overlooking the creek. The wood used throughout the taproom was refurbished from the second floor of the building during the building’s demolition phase.
The taproom includes an open kitchen and tiled wood-burning pizza oven from Naples, Italy. The pizza dough is made from scratch, daily. Four large brite tanks stand high above the taproom, and the bar displays tools used in the blacksmith shop.
The second-floor loft has additional dining space and provides views of BriteSmith’s bar and Ellicott Creek. It will also serve as a space for private parties and beer dinners. Adjacent to the loft is another private dining space to be used for overflow dining.
A beer garden, located south of the brewery between the two buildings, includes an outdoor bar shaded by a 100-year-old chestnut tree. It contains community-style dining tables, a fire pit and various games, in addition to a space for live entertainment.
The west building holds the brewery. A portion of BriteSmith’s beer is kegged while the remainder is transferred underground into one of four 10-barrel brite tanks displayed behind the bar in the taproom.
Brewery tours will be offered during the weekends and by appointment. Schutte said the times are to be determined.
Schutte’s focus for the taproom is a relaxed and casual atmosphere. He wants guests to spend time in the taproom and experience all that BriteSmith has to offer, from craft beers and the food menu to the view and surroundings.
“Being able to taste more than one beer to get an idea of all of the different styles that are available because it’s not just about IPAs [India pale ale], even though we have two phenomenal ones,” Schutte added.
He encourages people to peruse the menu and share small plates or “shares.” Some examples of the small plates are macaroni and cheese, Smithy wings and pierogi. The “shares” range from wood-fired house sausage and wood-fired shishito peppers to Brew House nachos.
The menu also features wood-fired Neapolitan pizza; “helds,” such as burgers, sandwiches and tacos; and salads. Ross Warhol, the chef at Oliver’s, will be overseeing the kitchen at BriteSmith.
In addition to food and drinks, guests will be able to hear live music. Starting in March, BriteSmith Brewing is planning to have live music at 8 p.m on Wednesdays and Fridays. In the summer, live music will be provided in the beer garden.
“We want to be a staple in the community, and we’re proud of the history of the building,” said Nate Root, director of operations.
While parking is limited on the property, Schutte says there are an additional 32 spots located across the street, which will be available after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Those who are interested in merchandise can visit the taproom’s boutique, which features items such as hats, beanies, T-shirts and sweatshirts, among others. BriteSmith Brewing is open from 4 p.m. to close Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday.
21 February, 2020
