One Guy Brewing – Oktoberfest & Music

Here’s an article Guy forwarded along from Gary Pang @ the Press Enterprise on-line.  Please note the Dates for Oktoberfest so far are Oct 8-11 & Oct 15th –18th –and that One Guy Brewing MAY be changing it’s name!

Brewpub cleared for songs and suds
Zoning OK boosts hopes for Oktoberfest bands at Berwick business
By GARY PANG

Press Enterprise Writer

BERWICK – One Guy Brewing has plans for an Oktoberfest in its new beer garden, with oompah bands wandering from table to table.

Those plans recently got a boost from borough zoners, who decided it was OK for the brewpub to host live music until 11 p.m.

Co-owner Guy Hagner said his brewery is preparing for Oktoberfest by making a "malty, amber-colored German-style lager."

Also, One Guy Brewing might change its name, Hagner said.

When he opened the business 19 months ago, he ran everything by himself. Now, he has a business partner, Tom Clark, and several employees.

Noise, traffic concerns

Some zoners worried live music might increase traffic and noise problems for residents.

But Hagner said the brewery at 328 W. Front St. does not draw heavy traffic. It has 50 parking spots, but they have not been filled to the brim.

Also, breweries tend to attract most customers on weekends, not weekdays, he said.

Zoning Chairman Tom Metz asked if the brewery can promise not to use amplifiers. But Clark said that would rule out microphones for performers.

Hagner said most musicians playing at his place would use acoustic instruments.

‘Run a tight ship’

Zoners also heard from three supporters of One Guy Brewing, who praised it as an asset for Berwick.

Arden Oliver said the establishment attracts beer lovers from Danville to Scranton.

"They run a tight ship," Oliver said of Clark and Hagner.

Monica Maciejewski, 24, Berwick, likes going there because she won’t run into troublemakers.

Police have not been called to the brewpub for any incident, Hagner said.

Joe Seicko, owner of a nearby business, commended Hagner for opening a brewery that pumps tax money into local coffers.

State permit needed

Zoners unanimously voted for allowing live music at the brewpub. They then shook hands with Hagner and Clark.

After most people left the meeting room, Maciejewski pumped her fists into the air.

Maciejewski said she helps out at the brewery as a volunteer. Her boyfriend works there, she added.

The brewery still needs an amusement permit from the state Liquor Control Board, Hagner said.

Music-loving brewers

The brewpub’s first Oktoberfest is slated for Oct. 8-11, then 15-18, Hagner said.

He and Clark plan to offer outdoor music mainly for the annual event.

But as a bluegrass fan, Hagner said he might host a bluegrass festival on a "nice Saturday afternoon."

The brewpub’s customers and employees include musicians, and they want to perform there, Hagner said.

Two employees, brothers Steve and Andy Zourides, are renown local musicians, he added.

The brewery has a full-time employee and five part-timers.

The beer garden opened just about three weeks ago, Hagner said. It’s about 40 feet by 80 feet wide.