Crafting Dreams, Pouring Passion: The Eleventhree Story

In a whirlwind of plans and unexpected turns, our journey to create Eleventhree Brewery was like a rollercoaster ride through Ohio. Let me tell you, it was one wild adventure.

Dave and I had this grand dream of moving to North Carolina, where we'd soak up the Southern charm. But hey, life had other plans. So, we settled in Chardon, Ohio, and it became our version of the South, minus the sweet tea.

Picture this: Dave, the beer wizard, and me, Chelsea, dreaming up our perfect brewery even before we started dating. We knew we wanted to create something special, a place where craft beer and great food would come together in perfect harmony.

So, here we were, juggling businesses, parenting three kiddos, and hunting for the perfect spot for our brewery. Trust me, finding that spot was like searching for a four-leaf clover in a field of three-leaf ones. We scoured places from Chagrin Falls to Fairport Harbor, encountering basements unfit for brewing and parking spaces that could barely fit a bike.

Then, the pandemic threw us a curveball. Covid hit hard, and while bars and restaurants shut down, Dave's homebrewing skyrocketed. People craved a good brew and, man, did Dave deliver.

Fast forward to December 2021, and voila! A Facebook post led us to an industrial space in Chardon. It was as if the universe finally said, "Here's your spot, folks!" Just half a mile from town, it felt like destiny knocking at our door.

With the lease signed, we dove headfirst into creating our dream brewery. Our kids even had a say in the floor plan! I took charge of the design, infusing a mix of 19th-century boho chic and modern minimalism. Think earthy tones, funky patterns, and a bar top made from a 100-year-old basketball gym floor – talk about character!

My mother-in-law, Marie, from "Etc. on Erie," jumped in, lending her expertise in decor sourcing. Together, we decked out Eleventhree with mango wood, rattan, and wooly goodness, creating a space that screamed, "Come in, grab a beer, and chill!"

Come June 30th, 2023, we flung those doors wide open! Imagine the excitement as we unveiled four distinctive beer styles, ready to delight every palate. Dave, the mastermind brewer by night and a software whiz by day, poured his heart and soul into each batch.

As our brewery grew, so did our vision. We added authentic Neapolitan pizza to our offerings, crafting each pie with the same dedication we bring to our beers. Every pizza that comes out of our blazing oven is a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Eleventhree isn't just a name. It's a story stitched with the threads of fate. Dave and I both sported the number 11 on our jerseys back in the day, and that number kept showing up in our lives, nudging us along this incredible journey. The 3 in Eleventhree? That's for our three amazing kiddos, adding an extra sprinkle of love to our story.

Our hearts hold North Carolina and New England close, and our brewery reflects that. Dave's New England IPAs? They're like a piece of the East Coast magic in the Midwest. Each beer we craft tells a story, from our bold IPAs to our innovative sours and rich stouts.

So, here we are, serving up more than just beer and pizza. We're dishing out an experience, a blend of Midwest warmth and craft beer passion, wrapped in the aroma of hops and fresh-baked pizza. Eleventhree Brewery isn't just a place; it's where dreams ferment into reality, one delicious sip at a time.