Meet Drumlins Brewery!

For Peter and Sarah, opening a brewery wasn't just a business idea it was a dream they had been discussing for decades. They envisioned creating a place where people could disconnect from their phones, reconnect with one another, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that truly felt like home. On June 27, 2026, that dream became a reality with the opening of Drumlins Brewery, a unique gathering place that may be one of the smallest breweries in New York State but is already making a tremendous impact in Palmyra, New York.
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Their entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn when Sarah was laid off from her job. Rather than viewing the setback as the end of one chapter, Peter and Sarah saw it as the opportunity to finally pursue the business they had always imagined. Looking for guidance, they turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SUNY Brockport.

Working closely with their SBDC Business Advisor’s Karen Underwood and Hans Von Gehlen, Peter and Sarah received assistance throughout the startup process, including business planning, financial projections, funding preparation, and strategic guidance. Sarah also participated in the SBDC's Fast Track to Business Ownership program, which provided additional education and confidence as they prepared to launch their business.

One of the first milestones came in November 2024 when Sarah successfully applied for the Wayne County Small Business Kickstart Grant to help move the project forward. Building on that success, the SBDC helped position them for financing, resulting in approval for a loan and a business line of credit. These critical funding sources provided the capital needed to transform their long-held vision into a thriving brewery.

Today, Drumlins Brewery is much more than a place to enjoy craft beer. Peter and Sarah intentionally designed an environment where conversation comes first. Guests often put away their phones and spend time talking, laughing, and building relationships. The brewery has quickly become a community gathering place where neighbors connect, friendships are strengthened, and new memories are made.

Reflecting on their entrepreneurial journey, Peter and Sarah are quick to recognize the role the SBDC played in their success.

"The SBDC is the reason our business opened on June 27, 2026."

They enthusiastically encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free advising services available through the SBDC.

"Do it. There's no reason not to. The staff is amazing. You think you have all the ideas, but they just keep on providing excellent service."

Their story demonstrates how the right combination of determination, education, funding, and trusted business advising can turn a lifelong dream into a successful business that benefits an entire community.
Today, Drumlins Brewery stands as a testament to perseverance, partnership, and the power of entrepreneurship. What began as conversations between Peter and Sarah many years ago has become a place where countless conversations continue every day bringing people together, strengthening the local community, and creating a destination that embodies the very spirit they set out to build.