Two Heroes Brewery + Public House, South Hero
(L) Matt Bartle and Daren and Danielle Orr toast the summer! Photo: Andre Costantini (R) The distinctive red modern monitor barn, home to Two Heroes Brewery + Public House, is a perfect way to ease in to the Champlain Islands vibe. Photo: AES Northeast
Small breweries often start in people’s homes, but…a bagel shop?!
Brewers gotta brew, so that’s where Daren and Danielle Orr and Matt Bartle launched Two Heroes Brewery in 2020. Matt had owned Wally’s Place bagel shop in South Hero, and after Daren came on board as part-time pizza maker, the friends started to brew test batches on a small pilot system while they solidified plans to open a larger brewery.
“We watched trends and decided the best thing for this town was a brew pub rather than having us mass-produce cans,” says Matt Bartle, Two Heroes co-founder and general manager. “People were looking for a place to gather over a pint and some good food.” Head brewer Daren adds, “Breweries are always competing for retail shelf space, with ready-to-drink cocktails and canned wine. This brewpub model works for us.” Danielle Orr, the taproom manager, appreciates the pub’s prime location. “We’re 25 minutes from Burlington and the first business you hit when you arrive on the Islands. We’ve become a meeting spot for folks from Chittenden County and get lots of ferry traffic as well.”
Fully aware that the old bagel shop was a temporary home, Two Heroes broke ground for their new facility two miles away, on Route 2, in October 2021. Build-out took nearly two years thanks to post-pandemic supply chain delays and sky-rocketing construction prices. But in July 2023, the trio opened the doors of the handsome red brew pub, designed by Matt and Daren.
During the waiting period, Daren attended the World Brewing Academy in Chicago to enhance his expertise. He’s proud that the team was able to invest in efficient systems and premium equipment, including a mash filter that allows him to maximize ingredients while using less water and less grain.
Two Heroes brews four flagship beers: Hill’s Sail Pale Ale (made with Champlain Valley hops), Turtle Bay IPA (fruity, aromatic, classic New England IPA), Black Marble Oat Stout (a dark but refreshing, easydrinking beer), and Rebel’s Reward (an American lager made with U.S.- grown malt and hops). Ten other unique beers rotate through the pub’s taps. Daren produces crisp hard ciders using must from local Allenholm Orchards apples; he also makes Medley, a cider fermented from Allenholm apples and cherries and cantaloupe from Pomykala Farm. “We try to use as much local product as we can, including grain from Quintin Farm in North Hero.”
A deep porch on the barn’s west side offers sunset views, a perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the Champlain Islands. Order a smash burger, hearty Reuben, or a grain bowl, sit back with something cold and crisp, and raise your mug to the three partners who birthed a brewery from a bagel shop to this perfect pub, in the midst of a pandemic.
