When good friends Kyle and Dave decided to start a business around the beer they loved, they had no idea their first location would only be open for four hours before the pandemic shut them down.
When good friends Kyle and Dave decided to start a business around the beer they loved, they had no idea their first location would only be open for four hours before the pandemic shut them down. But even that setback didn’t stop the dynamic duo from just pivoting and moving forward. Today, 948 Brewing Company is a growing business in Airdrie, with new beers coming out every two weeks. The name itself is a cheeky nod to the past, when all phone numbers in the area began with 948 before the area code came into effect. Kyle and Dave chose this name because they are contributing to the history and growth of Airdrie, one beer at a time.
“We actually started brewing in 2018,” says Kyle Wudrich, CEO and co-owner. “We didn’t have our own space at the time, so we were paying another brewer to make our product. Once we found the right location, we opened in March 2020.” He laughs: “We were open for four hours on March 14 before the COVID shutdowns hit.
Even during COVID, however, the friends kept the business going. They couldn’t have people there to enjoy the beers, but they continued to make, sell, and grow.
“We are constantly making new beers and releasing one every two weeks or so, even during COVID,” says Kyle. “We like to try new things and experiment whenever we can.”
He and Dave are fully invested in 948 Brewing although they both have full-time jobs elsewhere. As Kyle says, “We work full time and we run 948 Brewing full time.” They’ve brought in part-time staff to help balance work and personal life, but since they both love what they do, they see brewing as a passion and a fun project that doesn’t feel like work. .
“We love talking to people in the tap room and interacting with customers and the community. We get a lot of beer tourists and we work with other local breweries to help grow the beer tourism scene. We have such great support from our customers and the Airdrie business community and are very grateful. Without such strong support, we wouldn’t be here.
948 Brewing Company is happy to give back to this very supportive community by offering fundraising tastings, donating empty bottles and cans to local youth sports groups and more. Another community involvement is having a local artist, Colin Duffy, create memorable artwork for their marketing campaigns, website, and cans.
Kyle and Dave are delighted to celebrate another Readers’ Choice Silver Award for Best Pint and for their beer and wine menu – marking two consecutive years for the honour.
“Readers’ Choice awards are determined by the local community,” smiles Kyle. “So that means we are recognized by the people we serve. No trophy can top that feeling, knowing you’re delighting customers and supporting the community.
Where do they go from here?
“Growth!” Kyle said with a smile. “We’re trying to get a few more people on our team and be able to brew more beers and increase our distribution. At some point we would like new equipment and a second location. These are all dreams and it takes a bit of business planning. It takes time, but our vision and goals are clear.
He concludes: “We would like to thank the Airdrie team, patrons and community – everyone who has supported us in person, online, via COVID and on social media. We also thank Colin for his memorable artwork that enhances our brand. »
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