Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit

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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Brian Durand of Asbury Park Brewery about what it takes to build a wholesale presence in a competitive, seasonal shore market. We unpack how distribution fits into their broader strategy and what it really means to grow alongside a distributor.

Highlights include:

• The one thing most breweries struggle to do well even in 2026
• Two surprisingly high-performing snacks that stand out to both Chris and Brian for taprooms
• The right cadence for communicating with your distributor

If you’re evaluating your own distribution strategy or trying to make wholesale feel more intentional, this episode with a 20-year industry veteran offers a look at what it takes to grow beyond the taproom in 2026.

Visit the Asbury Park Brewery website: https://asburyparkbrewery.com
Follow them on Instagram: @asburyparkbrewery

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit

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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Chris O’Neill of One Well Brewing out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. We unpack how a brewery that started with just $80K grew into a ~$1M business by paying close attention to why customers behave the way they do...and then designing the business around those behaviors instead of following what some would maybe call industry norms!

Highlights include:

• Why a simple food menu stops customers from leaving (and could even double beer sales)
• The overlooked difference between attracting customers versus keeping them
• How the right entertainment mix can change how (and when) customers show up

If you’ve ever felt that tension between playing it safe and trusting your instincts as an owner, this episode is a reminder that building something different is often the whole point.

Learn more about One Well Brewing at their website: https://onewellbrewing.com
Follow them on Instagram: @onewellbrewing

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit

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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works. We unpack how operating two busy brewpubs in a tourist-driven market ultimately pushed them toward contract brewing (and why it turned out to be one of the most stabilizing decisions they’ve made...despite the emotional challenges).

Highlights include:

• The hidden inefficiencies of producing beer in a remote, seasonal market
• How focusing on the taproom experience and NA offerings led to more predictable margins
• Why partnering with both large and small contract brewers could be the big move in 2026

Kevin shares that contract brewing “was the hardest decision [he’s] ever had to make, because [he’s] the homebrewer that started a brewery—it’s part of [his] identity to make the beer.” If you’ve been wrestling with making a similar move, this episode is filled with honest and helpful insight from someone who has been in this business for over a decade.

Learn more about Alibi Ale Works at their website: https://alibialeworks.com
Follow them on Instagram: @alibialeworks