Richard and Alyson

American born Alyson Brewer and English born Richard Hay met in September of 1993 while attending the University of Arizona and worked together at The Espresso Stop for over 2 years, serving lattes and coffees to students and teachers on campus. 

Friends throughout college, it wasn't until 1997, after both had completed studies, that they took their friendship to the next level. Richard moved to the Bay Area in July of 1997 to be closer to Alyson and they have been together ever since. 

Both only children, when they married in 2003 they decided to take each other's name - and became Alyson and Richard Brewer-Hay - so both family legacies could live on through their new family and children.

As Seen on TV

The pub itself, although relatively young, has led a rich life in its short existence. Converting a storage room in the basement of their home, Richard and Alyson created a "guy's room" complete with reclining chair, poker table, TV and stereo.

However, it wasn't until Alyson wrote to TLC / BBC and submitted the room for consideration in an upcoming episode of their hit, makeover programme While You Were Out that the ESB really took shape. In August, 2005 the Elizabeth Street Brewpub was built in 48 hours as a surprise for Richard who had been away for the weekend and they've been entertaining friends and family ever since. WATCH THE EPISODE HERE

What's in a name?

The "Brewer" to beer link is quite obvious but "Hay" should not be overlooked either. An ancient Scottish Clan name, "Hay", boasts it's own symbol (the Falcon), plant (Mistletoe), and the family motto is "Serva Jugum", which literally translated means "Keep the Yoke". We like to think this commitment to getting the most out of what life gives you is reflected in the way we live our life and the way we make our beer.

A couple of centuries ago, a man's name was defined by his profession and it seems only fitting now that the new family name has come to reflect all that Alyson and Richard are passionate about - their family, their friends and their beer. 

Serva Jugum! 

Richard and Allie