Former Employee Testimonials

The GFBeerhead Family. Our History is still being Written

aka “Take care of your people, and they’ll take care of your guests.”

“Granite Falls Brewing Company is the most exciting and flexible place I ever worked. The company provided me, as a brewer, an outlet for complete creative control all while providing annual raises. The company even accommodated my commitment to the local fire department as a volunteer. Every day at work was a new adventure. The local clientele and cuisine are unmatched for miles around… Highly recommend!” – Ben Barber (Pictured far Left), Former Head Brewer (Jan. 2018-July 2019) [Bryson City, NC]

“I worked at GFB for 2 years. Those years were filled with amazing memories, love, adventure, plenty of laughter, and more creativity than one could imagine. I was given some great opportunities, advice that I still go by today, and regulars that have now become family. The love that I have for GFB and the beer that I will always recommend still to this day, will forever have a special place in my heart. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this brewery!” – Caitlin Guinn, Former Guest Services Coordinator & Server (Aug. 2017-May 2019) [Albany, GA – Current Position: FEMA-COVID 19 Funeral Assistance]

“Working at GFB will always stick out as some of the best times I have spent in a kitchen. Mario took me in as a Line Cook when GFB was a baby. With a lot of dedication and hard work, I was able to work my way up to be the Executive Chef for GFB. In that time Mario, my team, and I worked hand-in-hand to make GFB an outstanding establishment for its community. I will forever be grateful for the many opportunities and the trust that was instilled in me at GFB. If not for the opportunities presented by Mario’s faith in my abilities, I wouldn’t be the chef/possibly the person I am today. GFB always kept a fun work spirit and treats its employees like family. Once you’re a part of the GFB family, you’re always a part. Cheers!” – Chef Jason Trivette, Former Executive Chef (Sept. 2013-Nov. 2016) [Hickory, NC – Current Position: Chef, Imagine One Hospitality Group]

“GFB taught me a lot to forward my career. By far, best place I ever worked, and honestly taught me some skills I now use to run my own company. I have to say the best part of being at GFB was the atmosphere and the people. GFB gave me the opportunity to expand my abilities in the workplace. I just wanted to add this key point: I am very proud to have worked for GFB, loved the job, and felt I did it to the best of my abilities. I now own ABS Camper Repair that I started back in September of 2020; it is now a million-dollar company. Thank you, Mario, I feel I learned a lot from you to help me along this journey I’m now on.” – Brandon Weise, Former Logistics & Delivery Manager (Nov. 2017-Aug. 2019) [Granite Falls, NC – Current Position: Owner, ABS Camper Repair]

“Granite Falls Brewery is the ONE place I would consider working at again, because it was always a great work environment with energetic co-workers. Problems were always addressed in a timely manner and I was able to meet some amazing people that left a huge impact on my life. GFB is not just a place, it is a family! Oh, and did I mention the beer is amazing.” – Megan Lambert, Former Assistant FOH Manager & Server (Feb. 2014-Jan. 2016) [Hudson, NC – Current Position: Stay-at-Home Mom & Co-Owner/Designer at Black Carnation Creations]

“My Experience with GFB was liberating and definitely a stepping stone for me and my friend, Chef Jason Trivette. They gave us the opportunity to grow and be as creative as we wanted. Also, it was a different vibe; we were cooking for a community. Shout out, Granite Falls Community, and thank you for allowing us to expand our culinary arts with you all. I am currently employed with the Lackeys as a chef at Mas Amor. I also did fine dining with Cafe Rule. But GFB was like Cheers, and I appreciate that.” – Chef Maurice “Mo” Wright, Former BOH Manager (Oct. 2014-Feb. 2016) [Hickory, NC – Current Position: Chef, Mas Amor Cantina]

“GFB was not just a place to work it was also a second family for me. There were more good times than I can count. I will always cherish the great atmosphere and friendships I developed whether it was co-workers or guests. I genuinely looked forward to going into work every day.” – Sara Boggs Grunder, Former Assistant FOH Manager & Server (Sept. 2018-March 2020) [Charlotte, NC]

“I worked for GFB early on in my brewing career. From day one, I felt like family, and knew I was gonna better myself working under real professionals. The equipment and supplies we were given to use won me and the team a Gold medal for my literal first beer there. It showed me how a brewery is supposed to be run. I have since moved on into a different field, as a plumber, but the experience and memories I gained at GFB will stick with me forever.” – Wes Midkiff, Former Brewer (Dec. 2014-May 2015) [Mooresville, NC – Current Position: Plumber, Thompson Plumbing & Pump Service]

“GFB is a great place to work, laid back, never demanding more than you can do. As long as you come in and work hard, GFB is the place for you.” – Chef Tony Byrd, Former BOH Manager (Jan. 2014-Aug. 2017) [Granite Falls, NC – Current Position: Sunoco Production]

“I had a great time working at GFB. They worked around my schedule while I was in high school and even college. I miss the great times I used to have with my coworkers and regular customers.” – Grace Lackey, Former Server (Aug. 2017-July 2019) [Asheville, NC – Current Position: Printmaking/Art Student – UNC Asheville]

“I loved working at GFB for a few reasons. The biggest for me: hard work was recognized and rewarded. When I went the extra mile to learn tasks outside of my regular duties I was rewarded. In about a year, I managed to work 3 different positions: host, expo, and distribution. I am very goal-oriented and my work ethic really allowed me to grow in the company and I felt like my efforts had an impact not just for me, but for the company as well. Another big thing for me was as long as I was doing my job well and staying productive I never had any big issues with managers being disrespectful or trying to micromanage.” – Jeremy Clark Ogles, Former Delivery Driver, Expo & Host (June 2016-April 2017) [Granite Falls, NC – Current Position: Veterinary Assistant, Hudson Animal Hospital]

“Working at GFB was my first step into the craft beer industry, a goal I had set for myself a few years prior. However, at GFB, it wasn’t just about the beer (despite the fact the beer itself is great); it was also about the people. The employees, patrons and community as a whole are treated like friends and family not customers and commodities. From working festivals all across NC and making new friends out in the beer world, to enjoying and learning about the beer itself, the brewery was a really fun place to work. Mario always made sure I was taken care of, and had the tools I needed to be successful out in the field. I eventually moved to a brewery closer to where I lived in Charlotte, and Mario even was nice enough to put us on tap! GFB is a fun old building, filled with great liquid and great people.” – Garrett Garlington (Pictured at Right), Former Charlotte Areawide Sales Rep (Feb. 2017-June 2018)

“Right at Home…that is how I would describe how I felt while working at GFB. Great music, great coworkers, the atmosphere was open and inviting and reminds me of Cheers – where everybody knows your name! I really like that each special of the day featured creations by our own kitchen crew. I feel like the positive vibes were the glue that held us all together! CHEERS” – Kristen Rappaport, Former Server (Oct. 2014-May 2015) [Granite Falls, NC – Current Position: Choreographer/Instructor, Zumba Fitness]

“Started a part-time job making pizzas, bouncing around working restaurant and bar. Eventually going full time to deliver beer, work festivals and bunches of tap take overs. A lot of frustrating days assembling and trying to help fine-tune the new $140,000+ bottling line, then on to building the large live-edge tables in the tasting area….I sure do miss the all-around nostalgic aura of the building and its history! Kudos to GFB for knuckling down during this pandemic and keeping those tasty beverages flowing, our bellies full and smiles on our faces! Wish you all the Best!” – Jason Freeman, Former Bottling Line Manager & Cellerman [Moncks Corner, SC – Current Position: Engineering Technician, Roper Hospital]

A Big Hats Off to those who Built the GFBeerhead NODU (North Duke Street) Community!

 

And yes, it just wouldn’t be complete without Booher…

And Ron… Cheers!