Bellefonte’s Big Spring Spirits is looking to expand with another distillery on Pittsburgh’s South Shore, according to a post this week on the business’s Facebook page.
The distillery has launched a crowdfunding investment campaign for the new location which “allows our customers and supporters to earn a return on the future of Big Spring Spirits,” according to the post. Funds raised, which will return a fixed interest rate, will be used for renovation and build-out of the new location.
“The Distillery at South Shore is an exciting expansion for us, and one we hope you’ll be a part of,” the post stated.
Much like its founding location at the Match Factory in Bellefonte, the site of The Distillery at South Shore is a historic building: the Joseph S. Finch & Co. building, a whiskey distillery built in 1856.
“We’re looking forward to rejuvenating and restoring this beautiful building, just as the 1899 Match Factory in Bellefonte was restored,” the post state.
Plans include a 5,000-square-foot craft spirits distillery, a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, bottle shop, cigar bar, rooftop bar, event space for 400 people and a local fresh food market featuring bakers, butchers and farmers.
Founder Kevin Lloyd opened Big Spring Spirits at the Match Factory in 2014. Since then it has grown to distribute its craft vodkas, gins, rums, whiskeys and bourbons throughout Pennsylvania, both by delivery and through partnerships with restaurants and bars.
In addition to the distillery and tasting room in Bellefonte, Big Spring has previously expanded with a location at Seven Fields in Butler County.
“We’ve been lucky to start our small business in an incredible community,” the Facebook post said. “It’s easy to understand why so many people #lovebft. With your help and support, we’ve been able to grow and distribute Big Spring Spirits all across PA.”
