At times the grand opening of the Elora Brewing Company was like an episode of Cheers – “Where everybody knows your name.”
It was a gathering of old and new friends at the new venue in downtown Elora on Sept. 3.
Representing the five founders, Jim Murphy thanked those attending the grand opening and noted the brewery was opened in mid-August, but the grand opening was “a special time to thank all the people who put in blood, sweat and tears to make this a reality.”
Murphy added, “We’re very proud of what we’ve been able to pull together here. It certainly was a team effort and it takes a village to pull off something like this … from the construction team to the design team to the founders spending lots of sleepless nights pulling this together.” He thanked the village for being a receptive community, stating, “to welcome us with open arms … it’s the best possible reception we could hope for.”
Murphy said the five founders became serious about their plans about 18 months ago.
“A couple of us are neighbours, a couple of us had known each other previously … but it was really a new group of guys who put this in motion.”
Murphy stressed, “It wasn’t a group of five rich guys with nothing better to do. It was five guys with a vision of what could be done and something really interesting that could be put together.”
He added it involved friends and family, money from remortgaging houses and taking lots of crazy choices.
“But really it was in the spirit of believing in something we thought we could put together and be successful.”
Murphy added it is flattering to see the end results.
“To the rest of my five partners, cheers to you guys and thank you.”
Beyond the five partners, Murphy thanked families and associates of the five founders who have made significant sacrifices over the past year.
“We hope for your support for the years to come and thanks for supporting us through the growing pains – and the tornado of activity the week before Riverfest,” he said.
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly helped with the ceremonial tapping of a keg, in addition to offer words of support.
“What a great story … five guys and a beer.” Linton added “what you guys have done to this place is unbelievable. I can tell how much work has gone into this and you have something to be very proud of.”
He continued, “We’re very proud that you are part of this community and we want you to be here for years to come. This is an event to be celebrated and we want you to know your town is solidly behind you.”
Linton said, “I have a lot of respect for people who go out and do something that hasn’t been done before.” He later quipped, “Congratulations and I’ll try to be here as often as possible.”
Managing founder Matt Lawson said, “It’s been a pretty epic journey going from the construction phase, even thinking about brewing in the garage, and looking behind me at the tanks right now it’s pretty unbelievable.
“I feel really confident in the direction we are headed and in the community support.”
Ben Sasche noted that while the brewery was started by the five founders, the Elora Brewing Company Restaurant is owned by himself and Sonia Cheng, who is also a part owner of the Elora Bread Trading Company.
