about us

Picture it, summertime, Michigan, 2005…

Pennsylvania residents Jason and Nicole Lavery were visiting family in the Great Lakes state. During the trip, it was revealed that Nicole’s brother Andrew had recently begun experimenting within the realm of homebrewing. Jason, freshly 23 equipped solely with a background in liberal arts, was immediately fascinated. The revelation of fermentation and the distribution of liquid joy almost immediately took the reigns when, just a few months later, Nicole gifted him with his very own homebrew kit.

After success with homebrewing, the Laverys set out to build something unique and special in the heart of downtown Erie. In 2009, Lavery Brewing Company was born. This was not the first brewery or brewpub in the area, but a shared attention to detail and the desire to learn quickly led their team to becoming a staple of their hometown, where they pride themselves on making great beer for an even greater community.

Head Brewer Charlie McDonough hails from New Jersey/Staten Island. As thelead of brewing operations at Killsboro Brewing for almost 5 years, he arrived to Erie well versed in the science of beer and beermaking. His cicarone status doesn’t hurt at all, either. He has proven himself to have innovation for hazy IPAs and crispy lagers. Always focused on fresh hops and new fruity yeast strains, Charlie is always thinking five steps ahead.

Chef Zach Pesch has been honing in his skill for over 20 years in our city. Rising in fame at Jekyll and Hyde where he garnered a fan base and following, even receiving nominations as Erie’s favorite Chef, we’re confident he now has a platform to serve the city some of its finest foods. Skilled in a variety of cuisines and dietary/lifestyle preferences, Zach knows how to make everyone happy, and we are beyond thrilled on this addition to our staff. He is always drafting up his next creations and incidentally clever names to accompany them.

Front of House Manager and Creative Director, Haley Gardner, is also an Erie native. Before joining the LBC team in 2022, Haley was managing a landmark gastropub in downtown Erie. Haley has helped open and operate a few Erie landmarks including Jekyll and Hyde, Pressed Books & Coffee, and the Juice Jar. With a degree in English and experience in graphic design, Haley’s creativity has helped propel us through our business expansions. Her dedication to high standards for her crew and our customers is unmatched; she is ready to help you with any bookings, inquiries, or special needs you may have.