Friends John Bieranoski and Robert Buchanan never planned to open a business during a pandemic.
But the new business owners did, and they not only have survived, they have thrived.
Allusion Brewing Co., the only in-house brewery in Vandergrift, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.
For Bieranoski, 46, and Buchanan, 44, the milestone has left them feeling grateful and hopeful.
“There’s so many silver linings,” Buchanan said.
The duo said opening during covid had them “hoping it could only get better.” They announced expansion plans last week.
Buchanan, of Ross, said they’re in the process of purchasing the building next to Allusion, 143 Grant Ave.
The men said the expansion will grow the seating of 70 to about 140.
“We want to have an open area to accommodate live music. That’s a huge ‘ask’ around here,” Buchanan said.
“We got the brewing equipment in February 2020, and we were super excited, and then March happened, so, yeah, it was a little stressful,” said Buchanan of the decision to open during the covid pandemic.
The two friends began brewing beer themselves in 2013. Their friends and family encouraged them to open a microbrewery someday.
Bieranoski, who serves as head brewer, is studying to earn his master brewer certification.
“The best part has been the support we’ve received throughout the pandemic from the town itself and our customers. A lot of great feedback and a lot of customers that continue to grow with us and enjoy it,” Bieranoski said.
Bieranoski, 46, is a Kiski Area High School alumnus from Allegheny Township. He left his job in the higher education sector to pursue his beer brewing hobby.
“This is confirmation for me,” said Bieranoski of Allusion’s early success.
Allusion offers a draft menu featuring 10 craft beers, sold by the pint, crowler (can growler) or growler.
One of their popular beers, Olmsted Ale, is itself an allusion to the home base. It’s named for Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect, who designed Vandergrift in 1895. The menu calls the brew a “light gold, malt-forward American blond ale” with a “sweet, smooth finish.”
The V.I. Porter is described as an “American-style robust porter” with “hints of roasted coffee and dark chocolate.”
For every V.I. Porter sold, 10% is donated to help with various projects in the borough.
“We earmark that money to give it to projects that approach us and we approve of,” Buchanan said.
Sales of V.I. Porter have generated about $1,000 to date, which is earmarked for an upcoming public art project in the borough
“It’s unbelievable that we opened during this pandemic, and we’re going to be doubling our seating. The demand for the distribution of our beer is phenomenal,” Buchanan said.
Allusion Brewing Co. beers are available at Giant Eagle at Robinson and The Lab on Freeport, a new craft beer bar in New Kensington.