Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company is rapidly becoming a household name in Maine, not just for its exceptional craft beers but also for its imaginative pizzas that are as intriguing as they are delicious. Since its inception in 2018 in Yarmouth, Brickyard Hollow has expanded at an impressive pace, earning a reputation as a culinary innovator and community cornerstone.
The Recipe for Success: Community First
What sets Brickyard Hollow apart is its approach to community and fearless flavors. Founder Brad Moll, an avid homebrewer with a background in construction, wanted to create a space that the community could gather in. With frequent fundraiser nights, a comfortable space, and a relaxed atmosphere, the food and drink became secondary to many who wanted to capture a nostalgic community-centric feeling with their families.
Innovative Collaborations and Partnerships
Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company has distinguished itself through its innovative collaborations and partnerships, enhancing both its offerings and community engagement. Notable among these is their collaboration with the Pink Boots Society, an organization that supports women and non-binary individuals in the brewing industry. Through “Pink Boots Brew Days,” members are invited to brew alongside Brickyard Hollow’s master brewers, fostering education and career advancement within the community.
Other significant partnerships include the Maine Brewshed Alliance, the Barbra Bush Children’s Hospital, and the Full Plates, Full Potential organization. All of these partnerships have helped cement Brickyard Hollow’s place as a pillar of its communities and provide a helping hand for many of those in Maine who need it.
Unusual Flavors
The brewery’s culinary journey began with a small brewpub menu, which quickly evolved when the Freeport location introduced gourmet pizzas in 2019. These pizzas, featuring unique toppings like Maine blueberries with ricotta and lemon zest or smoked pulled pork with gouda and jalapeño, became an instant hit and a staple of their brand.
An Expanding Empire?
In just a few short years, Brickyard Hollow has expanded to multiple locations across Maine, including Portland, Freeport, Ogunquit, Brunswick, and Augusta. Their “aggressive expansion” is set to continue with future plans, including a collaboration with Sugarshack Music Channel to open a live music restaurant in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Even parties who find this rate of expansion concerning admit the brand is carefully managed to ensure that Brickyard Hollow’s reputation for quality and community feel remains intact. Despite quintupling in scope in five years, every location has frequent events like fundraisers for local organizations and charities, live music, and more.
Local Image, the Digital Marketing Team
Getting the word out, especially past the bounds of their starting town of Yarmouth, wasn’t quick or easy. By 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, it was clear that Brickyard Hollow would need to have a robust digital presence to survive. However, most digital marketing firms out there are the opposite of community-oriented.
That’s where Local Image came in. It is a digital marketing firm focused specifically on helping local businesses develop an online presence with a modern website, strong social media presence, and much more at a scale that matches their regional competitors. Since its extensive digital uplift, Brickyard Hollow has been thriving, with eight new locations in less than five years.
By moving digital marketing mostly out-of-house, Brickyard’s marketing director, Kendall Harnett, has been able to keep paying close detail-oriented attention to the brand’s management at every new location, developing corporate standards that make Brickyard feel less like a chain and more like a unique neighborhood restaurant suited to each location.
Overcoming Logistical Challenges
As with any rapidly growing business, Brickyard Hollow faced challenges, particularly scaling production to meet increasing demand. By 2020, they had outgrown their original five-barrel brewhouse. The solution came in the form of a larger facility in New Gloucester, equipped with a 30-barrel brewhouse and a canning operation. This move not only alleviated their production bottlenecks but also positioned them for future growth.
The Future Is Bright
Looking ahead, Brickyard Hollow plans to continue expanding while staying true to its roots. Its vision is to create spaces where creativity and community thrive, whether through unique culinary offerings or engaging local events. As it expands beyond Maine, it will bring a piece of its home state’s charm and innovation with it, promising exciting times ahead for beer and pizza lovers everywhere.
Brickyard Hollow’s story is one of passion, creativity, and community. It’s about turning a local brewpub into a beloved chain, making waves far beyond its original Yarmouth location. For those looking to experience the best of Maine’s craft beer and gourmet pizza scene, Brickyard Hollow is a must-visit destination.
