Community Beer Works has announced plans to open a second location at 976 Elmwood Avenue later this year. The new location will be located on the corner of Elmwood and Bidwell Parkway, near neighboring watering holes such as Breezy Burrito, The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit, Thin Man Brewery, Coles and Mr. Goodbar, which will create a strong craft beer corridor.

“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,” said Community Beer Works President & Co-Founder Chris Smith. “Cheers to everyone who has made this milestone accomplishment possible and to seeing everyone soon at our new location!”

The new 5,260 square foot space will offer a focus on beer & food pairings, unique collaborations, events, curated grab & go options and more. CBW says it will also guests park-friendly entrees and to-go options. Additional offerings will be announced at a later date.

Their current 7th Street location will remain open, although CBW will keep their options open as to how to envision the future of the space.

In addition, the brewery has announced that industry veteran Tim Czarnetzki has been hired as CBW’s Director of Operations. 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, NY.

“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,” continued Smith. 

Established in 2012, CBW started out as a small, neighborhood-based brewery on Lafayette Street in Buffalo’s West Side. They focused on creating high-quality, small-batch beers using fresh, locally-sourced grains, hops, and other ingredients, supporting local farmers and businesses and quickly gained a reputation for innovative and creative beers, such as Frank, a hoppy American Pale Ale, and The Whale, a robust brown ale, which have garnered a loyal following among local beer enthusiasts, as well as many trinkets for the brewery’s trophy case. Then, after six years of creating great craft beer behind that fateful green door, CBW packed up shop and moved operations to a bigger, more functional taproom at 520 7thStreet, where they currently call home.

One of the defining characteristics of Community Beer Works is their unyielding community focus. The brewery has been deeply involved in the local community since its inception, striving to make a positive impact beyond just brewing beer. They have organized numerous charitable events, fundraisers, and community initiatives as a true advocate for the Buffalo community, using beer as a catalyst for positive change. They have also made strides in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the craft beer industry as vocal advocates for diversity and representation, actively working to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for all beer lovers, through events and discussions on diversity and inclusion, further highlighting their commitment to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Regardless of they are currently hanging their collective hat, Community Beer Works has become a true cornerstone of Buffalo’s craft beer culture, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s brewing history. We will see you all on Elmwood for a fresh pint soon.

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

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).