Our Story

The Idea

The owners of local Erie, PA Restaurants, John Melody and Russell Stachewicz, took their passion for craft beer one step further — and started brewing their own. What began as a love for great beer and the art behind it became a natural expansion of the John Russell Hospitality family.

John Russell Brewing Company was built inside our original beer store location, first opened in 2009, transforming it into a full brew house and restaurant. Featuring a wood-fired brick oven and a menu inspired by our other U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pub locations, the transformation was complete — and John Russell Brewing Company proudly joined our family of pubs.

Where We are Today

John Russell Brewing Company began brewing on-site in May of 2020 and has since grown into a vibrant Erie brew pub. Today, we feature 24 craft beers on tap, including our own house-brewed selections, alongside a full restaurant menu.

Our beers are also poured exclusively at our John Russell Hospitality locations — U Pick 6 Pubs: Tap House, Harbor House, and Public House — and our Waterfront locations Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant -- all located in Erie, PA.

Our Philosophy

At John Russell Brewing Company -- Craftsmanship, Community, and Creativity guide everything we do. Proudly rooted in Erie, PA, we brew with intention, welcome every guest like family, and create experiences meant to be shared — one pint at a time.

Kenny Sutton, Head Brewer

Kenny Sutton joined the John Russell Brewing Company team in 2022, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Brewmaster Matthew Allyn. Immersed in the craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to quality that define every John Russell brew, Kenny quickly became an integral part of our brewery.

In 2025, Kenny stepped into the role of Head Brewer, bringing a fresh and a thoughtful approach to both innovation and tradition. His brewing style is marked by creativity, precision, and a respect for the process.

Among his notable accomplishments is the Small Batch Brewer’s Series, What’s the Frequency, Kenneth, a rotating lineup of limited-release beers available first to our Pint Pass members. With each batch brewed in small quantities, the series has become a fan favorite and frequently sells out quickly.

Kenny has also crafted signature collaborations, including Laker Lager, brewed exclusively for Mercyhurst University Athletics as their official craft beer. He continues to put inventive spins on John Russell Brewing Company’s flagship beers through seasonal releases and creative variations, such as the popular Razz 582 Raspberry German Weissbier.

A fan of bold and expressive styles, Kenny gravitates toward stouts and sours, both in brewing and in his personal tastes. His proudest creation to date is Stout-Standing Foreign Stout, a standout addition to the John Russell portfolio brewed exclusively for the brewery’s Annual Cheers to Irish Beers promotion.

As Head Brewer, Kenny continues to push creativity forward while staying true to the craftsmanship that defines John Russell Brewing Company — delivering beers that are crafted to be shared.