A Family Affair
In 2019 Rich and Kevin Ryan opened the doors of Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company to the Allentown community. What started as a brewpub for the father son duo quickly transitioned to beer production when the pandemic hit. “We started packaging our beer,” shares Rich, “and we built a production brewery on Hamilton Street and began distributing the beer throughout the Lehigh Valley.”
As production and business continued to grow, the Ryans connected with AEDC to discuss the Urban Made program financing options. In March of 2022, the two were approved for an Enterprise Zone Loan Fund in the amount of $100,000. These funds were utilized for the purchase of brewing equipment and to help with the cost of establishing a second production brewery to keep up with growing demand for their beer. They converted space leased in Plant No. 1, a former Mack Trucks building on South 10th Street, that is part of AEDC’s Urban Sites Program.
The ability to provide the Ryans with both a manufacturing space and financing assistance to help expand the business is something AEDC takes a great deal of pride in. “There was assistance to help with any questions we had. It was easier than any other loan we have applied for in the past,” says Rich. From start to finish both Rich and Kevin agreed the loan process was smooth and relatively simple.
This past year the company celebrated expanded beer distribution, dedicated production brewery in Plant No.1 and recognition of their award-winning beer, Red Ale Eddy, at the World Beer Cup. With all these accomplishments and continued growth, the Ryans have created additional jobs in the Queen City and plan to add more in the near future. They believe Allentown has the feel of a city, but the community spirit of a small town and love seeing the city continue to develop into a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The best part of the job? Rich says, “that’s easy, my favorite part of the job is working with my son, Kevin, and the rest of our team to build a brand from the ground up.”
“It has truly been a pleasure to work with the AEDC team. They are good people who are well focused on their mission. That mission matches well with the needs of a growing local business like Brü Daddy’s.” -Rich Ryan, Owner
732 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 | 610.351.7600 | brudaddysbrewingcompany.com
