After several months of rehabbing an 1800s former wooden wheel manufacturing building, Ken Johnson, one of the owners of Wheel Works Brewing Co., finds welcoming customers and serving craft beers and food a relief.
"It seems like the hard work is behind us but in some ways, it's just beginning," said Johnson, who also is executive chairman of the Leonard's Express the trucking and transporation company in Ontario County.
His and home-brewing buddy and business partner Jeff Roberge's Wheel Works Brewing opened Sept. 15 for lunch, and a steady stream of customers popped in for sandwiches and wings, pints and flights of craft beer of varying styles, and just to take a peek at the space — inside and outside.
Kenny and Judy Casler of Marion are among
the many who followed the progress of the redevelopment of the site. They chose to sit outside, near the flowing Canandaigua Outlet (although not as close to the body of water as the Adirondack chairs surrounding two fire pits are).
Kenny Casler watched as a blue heron waded through the water.
The name of the craft brewery is derived from what used to be made here: Wheels for horses-and-buggies in the 1800s and then early automobiles. Over time, the Pioneer Thresher Co. — you can see the faded name on the building's exterior red brick wall facing Pioneer Road — operated at the site. Casler is pleased that the owners decided to repurpose the building and reuse its materials.
"There's too much of that going on, tear down an old building and put up something that doesn't fit the whole ambiance of this place," he said.
The effort was worth it, the Caslers said.
"It's beautiful," Judy Casler said. "They've done a good job. I'm excited for them."
Dig in at Wheel Works Brewing Co.
Roberge and wife Kim, who owned Sweet Times Bakery in Victor for 36 years before closing in August, said it was time for a change. Both will have a hand in the kitchen operation, with Jeff pulling double-duty on the beer side of the operation.
"We're looking forward to this," he said. "It's really exciting."
Wheel Works offers apps such as wings and fries, salads and handheld sandwiches. Their 12-inch pizzas are already proving to be a hit as have the schnitzel sandwich, which comes with fried pork, pickles, frisée and mustard cream sauce on pretzel bun, and burgers.
For dessert? Apple crisp a la mode and an old favorite from Sweet Times, carrot cake, may hit the spot.
What's on tap at Wheel Works Brewing Co.?
The menu will be expanding as the weeks progress, but the Czech pale lager and marzen Oktoberfest are Roberge's contribution to the taps. Not to be outdone, Johnson adds his Littleville lager and What's Hoppening cold IPA.
As for head brewer Nick Lord's creations, a Strong Ale, at 9.2% alcohol by volume, is a tasty beer that subtly packs a punch. The Iron Revival NEIPA is a symbolic gesture to the venture.
The name felt like a homage to how new life is being breathed into this older building, ushering a new era into the space, Lord said.
"It's a cool blend of old and new," Lord said. "I love how they repurposed so much stuff for the place."
More to come at Wheel Works Brewing Co.
Aspects of the building are being fine-tuned. Indoor games and outdoor activities are planned as is live music. Stay tuned for information on an upcoming Oktoberfest celebration.
The food and beer menu will also expand over time as the owners and staff adjust to customers' tastes and wants. The hours may change as well.
But for the most part, "we're ready to go," Roberge said.
More about Wheel Works Brewing Co.
Wheel Works Brewing Co. is at 1755 Pioneer Road, Shortsville. To start, hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
A ribbon-cutting celebration is planned Sept. 25.
For more details, visit https://wheelworksbrewing.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585995066462&locale=tl_PH.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New craft brewery opens in Ontario County. What can visitors expect?
