Just before doors open at 11am on a Monday, patrons for The Old Ellsworth Brewing Company are already waiting eagerly outside. When people do take their seats and the place starts to fill, the beers begin to flow. Brian McKean and Ryan Bostrom are brother-in-laws and the co-owners who brew their very own selection of beers on-site. They have been serving Queen Creek for the last six years creating brews that are steeped in local ingredients. Whether it be grain from Sossaman Farms, kalamata olive leaves from the Queen Creek Olive Mill, or even peaches from Schnepf Farms, they have managed to capture local flavor. In fact, everything behind the bar is from Arizona and a scratch kitchen churns out a tempting menu that includes chicken wings and poutine.
Even before they established The Old Ellsworth Brewing Company, they had been tinkering with recipes and techniques. It all began for fun and what seems to be a genuine curiosity for the craft. Gradually, a passion became a way of life. The two were already looking to create a base in Queen Creek when they came across an ad put by the town looking for someone to bring a brewery here. Their current building had recently become vacant and a match was made.
The two had their eye on Queen Creek because they saw a gap in the market, but they also appreciated the 'hyper local' culture in town. These were the ingredients they needed to establish a great business with great beer. Ryan says that another motivating factor was that they were tired of working for others and just wanted to do a job they loved.
Taking a chance on Queen Creek has paid off, the customers are loyal, and Ryan works closely with the town. They have also held events on-site including a yoga session called 'Bends and Brews', a beer festival, and plan to hold a car show in the parking lot in the future. Brian and Ryan have enjoyed the support they have received from the community and it is clear the feeling is mutual. All the same, it still comes down to beer, and the variety they have on the menu includes lagers, mead, traditional hefeweizen, and more. The array of flavors and classic dishes make this neighborhood watering hole a Queen Creek must see for any visitor, and a tradition for every resident.