Built for the community that built us
Recon Brewing was founded in February 2016 by three friends — Toby Wehr, Nate Bacher, and Dave Bestwick — lifelong Butler locals who first crossed paths through the Butler Township fire service. The mission was simple: a brewery rooted in community, centered on high-quality yet unfussy beer known for drinkability, approachability, and value.
We built a following at brew festivals before opening our first brick-and-mortar taproom in Butler in May 2017. The community response fueled our growth — Cranberry's Meeder taproom opened in April 2021, and our South Fayette taproom at Hastings followed in February 2022.
In 2025, we welcomed two new owners, Rob Mikita and Mike Sherman, alongside Nate and Toby. Our mission hasn't changed: create spaces where anyone can unwind, connect, and enjoy a pint crafted with care.
Why "Recon"?
Butler, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Jeep. The very first prototype was the Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) — a vehicle that reflected the grit, ingenuity, and pride of this town. Recon Brewing pays tribute to that legacy, and our taprooms still showcase Jeep memorabilia as a nod to the heritage that inspires us.
Collectively, our founders and team bring more than 70 years of volunteer fire service experience. “Drink local” is more than a slogan — we source materials, equipment, and design locally whenever possible. Our branding and artwork are created by Butler native and head brewer Jack Laughner, and our custom brewing equipment was built just an hour away.
