Hopshire Farm & Brewery is in the midst of a two-phase expansion project totaling 2,500 SF with the first phase expected to be completed at the beginning of 2017. Phase 1, a 1,200 SF 100-person community event space will accommodate larger gatherings, while Phase 2, a 1,300 SF addition will expand the brewing and storage area allowing the brewery to double production.
Due to a thriving customer base and an increasing demand for event space, Hopshire’s owners decided an expansion would benefit the business. Along with producing high quality craft beers that are served in the tasting room and sold locally, Hopshire has become a popular gathering space hosting Friday night music, food and beer pairings, Wednesday yoga, fundraisers, and private events such as birthday and graduation parties. The new event space will provide a venue for more of these kinds of activities.
The expansion will be funded in part by a grant received following the submission of a NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). One of only three local businesses in Tompkins County selected this year to receive an Empire State Development grant; Hopshire will receive 20% of the project cost once several requirements are met including completion of the project, 30% Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) participation during construction, and the creation of two permanent jobs in the next three years.
“We are surprised and humbled by the community that has been created at Hopshire. The event room will be a gathering place for the growing number of friends, neighbors and travelers who attend events at the brewery. “ – Randy Lacey
The local community is extremely important to Hopshire’s owners who view the expansion as a response to wat their customers and the community want. By expanding they hope to reach more of the community while continuing to promote a family friendly environment, sponsor events that are open to the public, and encourage community participation in the brewery through activities such as the production of their Cohoperation beer which uses donated hops from local growers in the brewing process.
About Hopshire
Hopshire Farm & Brewery opened in May 2013 and is a family owned business operated by Randy Lacey and Diane Gerhart. As a farm brewery, Hopshire is committed to using NYS grown barley and hops in each batch of beer and incorporating locally grown ingredients such as ginger, honey, and maple syrup whenever possible. Three anchor beers are always on tap including Beehave, Shire Ale and Near Varna IPA. Beehave is a honey ale made from all NYS grown ingredients. The remainder of the beers on tap are seasonal and cover a wide range of styles. For more information please contact Randy Lacey at (607) 279-1243/ hopshire@gmail.com.
