USA, NY: Wetlands Brewery already open in Van Etten

When Nathan and Sara Ulacco Emery got the idea to start their own brewery, they wanted something different, something that would stand out from other breweries around the Southern Tier, Star Gazette reported on July 25.

Nathan was already doing some home brewing using leftover hops his father-in-law had, and when he noticed how popular his product was with family and friends, the idea for Wetlands Brewery was born.

The couple, who already had full-time jobs building and selling commercial playgrounds, purchased 25.5 acres of land across from their home on state Route 224 in the Town of Van Etten — including a wetland that inspired the name for the new business.

They built the new facility from scratch and opened for business in June. From the start, they wanted to set Wetlands Brewery apart.

"We want to be family-friendly," Nathan Emery said, noting the brewery will offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, along with food prepared from locally-produced ingredients.

"We have kids. We're different from a bar. We're definitely not a bar at all," Sara Emery added.

Sara's father, Toby Ulacco, also played a key role in facilitating the business venture and was deeply involved along with Nathan in building the brewery from the ground up, she said.

Beer-making equipment is on its way, and in the meantime, Nathan makes small batches of beer, and they also sell other alcoholic beverages that are crafted in New York state.

Another aspect of the business the Emerys feel gives Wetlands Brewery a different twist is the menu, which not only includes locally-sourced food, but changes on a regular basis.

"There is a whole group of people who love to be surprised by food. I change the menu every day," Sara Emery said. "People say 'We trust you, surprise us.' We want them to come in, experience who we are, and get to know us on a personal level. "

The brewery also features "the biggest pretzel to put this town on the map," according to Nathan, who noted after previously working at a pizza place for seven years, opening the new business was "like getting back on a bicycle."

Patrons can sit indoors or enjoy the scenery from an outdoor patio — scenery that often includes a variety of wildlife such as turtles, bald eagles, otters and wild turkeys.

Since the brewery is close to a wetland, it took a while to meet all the environmental requirements, but once it was open, community response to the new business was immediate, Nathan Emery said.

"It's all been pretty amazing, just the power of social media," he said. "It's been overwhelming. We want to just keep it growing. Our business plan had four people for staff. We have 11."

As more people learn about Wetlands Brewery, the owners hope to continue to expand its menu and offer other activities, including an outdoor farmer's market.

Other businesses, including breweries, have been very supportive as the new venture works to establish itself as a local destination, the duo said.

"We're not taking paychecks right now. We're funneling everything into the business," Sara Emery said. "It's our second full-time job. It's our dream — something we want to keep cultivating and growing."