Community Beer Works announces planned second location, new director of operations

Announcements come as part of brewery’s 11-year anniversary party

On Saturday, Community Beer Works (CBW) announced a planned second location in Buffalo, at 976 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. The announcement came as part of a surprise reveal at the brewery’s 11-year anniversary party, where the taproom was transformed with a balloon installation alongside renderings of the new space.

In addition, the brewery announced industry veteran Tim Czarnetzki was hired as CBW’s director of operations.

“Over the last 11 years, Community Beer Works has worked towards fostering a sense of togetherness and place that brings people together through the love of good beer. By opening a second location, we can extend this mission to even more people,” Community Beer Works President and co-founder Chris Smith said. “Cheers to everyone who has made this milestone accomplishment possible, and to seeing everyone soon at our new location!”

CBW’s second location will total 5,260-square-feet and be located in the heart of the Elmwood Village. It will have a heightened focus on beer and food pairings, offering guests park-friendly entrees and to-go options. Additional offerings and amenities will be announced in the coming weeks, alongside a grand-opening date that is tentatively set for late fall.

A press release stated, “As director of operations, Tim Czarnetzki brings not only a new face to the CBW team, but proven leadership. In this new role, Czarnetzki will optimize processes and operations within the brewery as it enters this new chapter of growth. Prior to joining CBW, Czarnetzki co-founded both Urban Family Brewing Co in Seattle, Washington, and Foreign Objects Beer Co in Monroe.”

Smith said, “Tim brings a new level of energy to the Community Beer Works team. Through his proven expertise and trusted leadership skills, Tim is poised to help Community Beer Works expand its operations, advancing our business to the next level.”

Held from noon to midnight, the anniversary party featured several happenings to celebrate the brewery’s 11 years in business. Most notably, CBW brewed a special double dry-hopped version of its first publicly poured beer, Frank. Various commemorative merch, including an exclusive “Teku” glass, were designed to mark the occasion. Two other special-edition beers were tapped and served: 

√ Kick the Keg – a collaborative beer crafted with Big Ditch Brewing Co. titled Party Mountain IPA.

√ Change the Seasons – a limited-run imperial stout titled “The Snow” aged in Elijah Craig 12-year bourbon barrels and sold in 500ml wax-top bottles.

Additionally, Mr. No the Balloon Guy was on site alongside carnival-style games, a “Dunk the Brewer” dunk tank, and live music by Tim Britt. Guests could also purchase limited runs of select brews in four-packs and 16-ounce to-go cans.

The press release stated, “CBW was founded with a mission to celebrate and revitalize Western New York’s local beer-brewing culture. Since the first beer was poured, the company has brewed more than 300 types of beers, built a 13,000 square-foot brewery and taproom, and been awarded multiple medals at the highest international, national and state-level beer competitions.”

For more information, upcoming beer releases and taproom hours, visit www.CommunityBeerWorks.com.