Our Story

The Elk County National Bank, a historic Victorian Era building in downtown Ridgway, was repurposed into The Brew Bank Brewing Co. in 2018 by Ridgway native Kim Ezell. The venue seamlessly combined a restaurant and microbrewery while preserving the building's original traits, including two bank vaults, woodwork, and marble walls.


In 2024, the beloved establishment saw a change in ownership as local resident and music director, Jason Phipps, took the reins. Having been a cherished figure in the community for nearly three decades, Jason's impact on students, parents, and alumni led him to acquire the beautifully restored building. It is expected that the venue will reflect the vibrant spirit of the music man himself under his stewardship.


In addition to its role as a microbrewery and restaurant, the old bank building also offers accommodation through Airbnb. The two rooms and two suites, recently renovated and boasting a fresh coat of paint, provide spacious and comfortable lodging with a picturesque view of Courthouse street and the town.


The Brew Bank Brewing Co. continues to be a cornerstone of the Ridgway community, blending its rich historical roots with modern-day hospitality, and looks forward to the next chapter under Jason Phipps' ownership.

Our History

The current day building that houses The Brew Bank Brewing Company was indeed once a bank, one with quite a storied life.  Established as The Elk County Bank on August 16, 1864 by wealthy lumber baron Jerome Powell, the bank was originally located a few lots east of the current location.  The Elk County Bank operated in that location with many of Ridgway’s most wealthy founders serving as officers until a brand new building was built here on the corner of Main and North Broad Streets in 1890.  By 1895, and touting it’s own underground tunnel connecting to other businesses on Main Street, the bank had been remodeled and reorganized as The Elk County National Bank.  '

In January of 1906, the head cashier M.S. Kline had retired and was replaced by Mr. Archie Dean Swift, the great grandfather of none other than world famous pop icon Taylor Swift.  By the time 1966 rolled around, The Elk County National Bank had merged with a bank in our neighboring town of St. Marys and moved it’s office across the street where the present day County National Bank sits.  Between the years of 1966 and 2018 when the building was purchased and completely remodeled into The Brew Bank Brewing Company, these walls housed many companies and establishments including a radio station, sporting goods store, multiple types of studios, and eventually an antique store.  It’s interesting to note that the original vaults (both on the ground floor and in the basement), as well as the marble walls and Hyde Murphy woodwork, were restored and kept intact to keep the glamour and nostalgia of the original bank alive.