Local brewery, Brauwerk Hoffman celebrated their first year anniversary with a franco-ontarien fueled artistic weekend after a "challenging" first year.

When best-friends Eric Mainville and Olivier Lemay were contemplating taking the leap and open their own business, the local entrepreneurs couldn't ever have imagined what the following 2 years would end up looking like. 

The COVID-19 pandemic created hurdles for everyone but, deciding to push forth and open a business 7 months into a global pandemic was always going to be described as a bold step. 

"We are very excited about our anniversary," said co-owner Olivier Lemay. "From lockdowns, to being open with restrictions, to another lockdown - it's been quite a challenge but we're happy to put this behind us and move forward."

Retaining a franco-ontarien core has been essential, but it's the German inspired creations that has given the local community something "different" during a time when cravings for new experiences is at a high.

"They have been so supportive," said brewer and co-owner Eric Mainville. "A sign that we have been really busy, we added 4000 liters of capacity in our fermentation vats within our first six months of operations. 

"That shows you just how much people have enjoyed our products, coming back to get them. I've been elbow deep on that side for sure," he added

A local success story doesn't come without complications as with surging prices the costs have gone up but, despite the repetitive lockdowns, Lemay put's the success down to the hard work and dedication of their staff who have stuck by them since "day one". 

"It's the foundation of our business," Lemay said. "Throughout the pandemic we have had to reduce hour unfortunately and some were greatly affected but they stuck by us and they really make our business thrive."

The weekend's festivities started on Thursday night with a collective of local comedians, led by Jonathan Dion and Miguel Martin, who both found their feet doing improv at local Secondary School, l'Escale and providing a platform for francophone performers is very important to the local duo. 

"We've always put an emphasis on the French language, especially in our area," explained Lemay. "We try and incorporate as much [French artists] as we can."