Entrepreneurial Spirits Inspire Niagara University Alums to Open Brewery

Their entrepreneurial spirits and complementary skill sets inspired Brian, '17, and Maria (Croft) Bremer, '17, to launch a business in their hometown of Newark, N.Y. Their brewery, Runaway Blue, will celebrate its second anniversary in November.

Both Brian and Maria, who were high-school sweethearts, enrolled in Niagara University's College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management-Brian in the food and beverage management program, and Maria in the event and meeting management program. After graduation, Brian worked in breweries and wineries before joining Young Lion Brewing Company in Canandaigua, N.Y., where he helped to open the facility and worked as a brewer. He spent five years there, where he learned more about beer production and running a brewery.

On Nov. 12, 2022, Brian and Maria opened their own brewery, Runaway Blue Brewing Company.

"It was an idea that we tossed around for a while," Maria said. "We always felt like our experience and degrees in the hospitality industry could give us the foundation that we needed to succeed in running a business. Brian is so creative and gifted in his brewing, and I am creative in design, marketing, and the front of house applications. Together, we like to think that we've created an inviting and fun atmosphere for people to gather and enjoy a brew or two."

The couple found a location on Main Street in Newark and renovated the 1,500 square-foot space into a brewery and tasting room, which Maria designed. It also includes an outdoor beer garden. The business, which is named after their dog, Coley, a blue heeler mix who loves to run, is dog friendly, too.

The skills they learned at Niagara-including writing business plans, food safety, and marketing-prepared them launch and run their business, they said, noting that they do everything from bartending to ordering, brewing to packaging, accounting, running social media, "and numerous tasks and extra little special touches in between."

Their on-the-job experience has also taught them that "you always have to be super adapting and ready for anything that comes your way, from keeping up-to-date on what flavors are popular, to new ways to innovate, and facing unexpected challenges. Some days can be more challenging than others, but it's also rewarding."

Runaway Blue is a nano brewery, the smallest brewery category, and this designation allows Brian to experiment with various styles and flavors.

"We brew everything from IPAs and lagers, to sours and seltzers," he said. "We decide recipes based on the season, what may be popular at the time, or just whatever inspires us."

He notes that their most popular beer is their Vanilla Bean Blonde, which he describes as a golden ale overflowing with notes of French vanilla ice cream. Although initially intended to be a one-time release, its popularity has made it a staple at the brewery.

It's been in operation only a couple of years, but Runaway Blue has already become a gathering place for friends and family, they said, and that's what they love most about owning the brewery.

"There's nothing like looking out into our taproom on a busy Saturday and seeing people gathered around tables with smiles on their faces while enjoying a good beer together," they said. "It may sound cheesy, but it really does make us so happy!"