The SBA 504 loan requires a partnership between a bank and a nonprofit certified development company. Then out of right field came another banker who expressed interest in backing Michael’s project with a Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan, which provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for commercial real estate purchases and tenant improvements. “Although I’d been producing and selling my beer for several years by then, the lenders treated me like a start-up operation and viewed me as high-risk,” recalled Michael. He approached several traditional banks the answer was always no. Michael needed capital to buy all the expensive brewing equipment and pay for the necessary tenant improvements. Outfitting the new building was an ambitious task. Perseverance Leads to New Capital for Launch and Growth At UC Davis, Michael worked with the staff of their Master Brewing Program to scale his recipe and process so that he could then pursue brewing his gluten-free beers on a commercial scale. After several years of homebrewing – during which he taught himself to also malt gluten-free grains by soaking, sprouting, drying, and roasting the grain – he took his skills and entrepreneurial ambition to the University of California at Davis. Missing the delicious taste of craft beer (which contains the gluten protein found in its key ingredients like barley and wheat), Michael set out on a mission to create a 100 percent gluten-free alternative that was enjoyable to drink. “My wife and I had adopted a gluten-free diet and quickly realized that flavorful options for gluten-free beer were nonexistent, particularly in California.” “When I first started brewing beer in my garage and kitchen, the flavor bar for gluten-free beer was pretty low,” Michael said. Until recently, Michael Bernstein, owner of Buck Wild Brewing in Oakland, California, finally discovered a formula that packs a flavor punch while still delivering a healthful dividend. Its just a cool experience being somebodys first beverage that they couldnt have ever," he said.Creating great-tasting gluten-free products has challenged food and beverage manufacturers for years. "The people coming in here who have never had beer before. They strive to give all customers with gluten issues a safe space to enjoy a beer with no threat of cross-contamination.Īnd that's what it's about here - people and how the brewery can bring them together in ways that were not possible before, Silano said. in Farmingdale, Long Island, is New York state's first fully dedicated gluten-free brewery with a tap room, the owners said. Today, Necromantic Brew Co., at 253 Main St. Why not make delicious craft beer that's also gluten-free?Īfter learning about what goes into a flavorful gluten-free beer, the friends decided to open up their own brewery, combining their love of craft beer and horror movies. That is, until the duo brewed up an idea. His pal, Jesse Silano, enjoys a good craft beer, but when they would hang out watching horror movies, Mandarino couldn't partake, sticking to spirits instead. it brings me to tears like it does them," said one of the owners.įarmingdale, New York - Gluten-free living can be challenging, something Ralph Mandarino, who's had Celiac symptoms for 10 years, knows all too well.
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