It All Started In a Trash Bucket
Like every small business, Big Ditch Brewing Co. started as a dream. In 2011, aspiring scientists & beer lovers, Matt Kahn and Corey Catalano worked in a biotech lab and wanted to start a new business for themselves. They used a food-grade bucket—otherwise destined for the trash—as their first fermenter. From there, the two created new and exciting beers there in a garage.
Over the next two years, while perfecting their craft, they met Wes Froebel, a previous co-owner of other breweries. Froebel was interested in starting a new brewery project, too. The trio’s pursuit of a building intersected with Iskalo Development Corp.’s redevelopment of a former Verizon fleet maintenance facility at Ellicott and Huron Streets in downtown Buffalo, NY.
The two groups worked for over a year planning the brewery and tap room. During the process, Paul Iskalo joined Big Ditch as its principal investor. The brewery opened for business officially in October 2014. Now their beer is available at fine establishments throughout Western New York. The Tap Room opened in the summer of 2015, serving Big Ditch beers alongside fresh food in a fantastic downtown setting. After they became established, they turned their focus to weddings and other events.
The establishment offers a variety of special event packages including beer tasting
Unexpected Wedding Venue
When finding a wedding venue, Big Ditch Brewing Co. in Buffalo, NY isn’t the first place that comes to mind. However, it’s time to start rethinking that. Big Ditch has gorgeous windows that let in an insane amount of natural light, multiple murals inside and outside that give character and an open ceiling showcasing the pipelines, all making up an industrial dream! There are countless ways wedding pros can get creative with the space.
Director of Events Patty Deitrick graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in hotels. Being the social butterfly that she is, it’s no surprise that she handles the ins and outs of any of the special events that take place at Big Ditch. Patty thrives on event planning and getting to know her couples. Not all weddings need to be in a traditional setup and not all couples look for that.
The Tap Room has three distinct spaces available for events of all occasions and sizes. They’ve hosted it all, meaning they’re prepared for everything. Big Ditch has the perfect setup for:
A ceremony
Rehearsal Dinner
Reception
Bridal Shower
Stag/ Stagette
It’s About You
Big Ditch goes out of its way for couples to offer various packages. From appetizer stations for a fun cocktail hour to full-on buffet dinners, Big Ditch has it all. For beer connoisseurs, the brewery also has beer tasting packages, perfect for a bachelor party! The team takes pride in hosting quality, unique events that couples will remember. “Continuing to challenge our culinary innovation, as well as different craft beer offerings along with craft beer-infused cocktails, continues to bring us to higher standards etc.”.
At the end of the day, a wedding is about celebrating the couple. “Our doors will continue to be open to any and all guests. We love everyone that loves us and our beer!”. There are so many people that look back on their wedding and wish they would’ve done things differently or not listened to so any outside voices. Therefore, Patty wants Big Ditch to be the place where couples can just be themselves. Although an unlikely spot at first, the Big Ditch Brewing venue brings so many qualities to the table, making it an excellent event space for weddings.
Reach out to patty through Big Ditch’s directory listing!
Special thanks to Seventh Arrow Studio of Photography | Victoria’s Bridal Shoppe | Bureau | Papercraft Miracles | Banner Farm | Oxford Pennant | Fawn and Fox Salon