Business Spotlights

Business Profile: Bull and Barrel Brew Pub, Brewster

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Photo caption: Co-owners Rick Cipriani and Wendy Wulkan are on top of the bull inside their new brewpub, a perfect example of the western theme they are shooting for. DAVID PROPPER PHOTO
Co-owners Rick Cipriani and Wendy Wulkan are on top of the bull inside their new brewpub, a perfect example of the western theme they are shooting for.
DAVID PROPPER PHOTO

Wendy Wulkan and Rick Cipriani both have an area of expertise that when meshed together is perfect for their new brewpub in Brewster.

The two of them have been family friends for the past 15 years, and now the two can also consider themselves business partners and owners of the Bull and Barrel Brew Pub, which is located where the old Sciortinos restaurant used to be.

Wulkan is an experienced restaurant and bar owner and Cipriani has more than a decade worth of experience brewing beers, starting out with the Hudson Valley Brewing Company multiple years ago. And now the two are bringing their high level of knowledge together to give Putnam County its first brewpub.

“I was in the beer business for 15 years and 15 years later Putnam County still does not have an authentic brewpub, brewery, a place to call their own,” Cipriani said. “We’d be part of the community.”

Wulkan first had the idea in her head about opening up a brewpub, but needed a brew master, which is why she contacted Cipriani. “In not so many words, said what are you doing for the next 20 years,” Wulkan asked Cipriano.

When she first floated the idea in front of him, Cipriani told her she was crazy. But after doing his due diligence he came to the determination that looking to partly own his first restaurant would be worth the risk.

Wulkan, a Somers resident, pictured a restaurant and bar establishment that was a “country theme, something that was very euphoric, something that was very American.”

Impressively, the massive two-story building that can seat up to 200 people and can pack a huge bar crowd on a Friday or Saturday night, was designed by Wulkan and Cipriani. And the pair used businesses from within the region to assist them in getting the new restaurant up to snuff.

And Wulkan points out, the vodkas, the gins, the bourbons, and other alcoholic drinks are all American. Bull and Barrel only uses products from outside the United States if there isn’t a comparable American made drink.

Cipriani, a Carmel resident, said when patrons come in for the first time, they’re shocked at the transformation, especially if they ever ate at the old Sciortinos.

“Their head goes up, to the left, to the right, they look around,” he said. “They go, oh my God, I don’t even recognize the place, this is incredibly awesome.”

The business has been open for almost 2 months now, and so far, both owners have seen a steady amount of people come in, if it’s either for some food during the afternoon and evening, or to grab a drink after work. And regardless of age, everyone has a good time.

“Under this roof you’re one in the same,” Wulkan said. “Basically you can come in on a Friday or Saturday night and you’ll find someone who is 21-years-old to 75-years-old and everybody having a good time in the same environment, enjoying what this atmosphere is.”

Bull and Barrel Brew Pub is located on 988 Route 22 in Brewster and its number is 845-278-2855.

 

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