ABOUT 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. Their mission was simple: create a brewery rooted in community, centered on high-quality yet unfussy beer, and known for its drinkability, approachability, and value.

​

WHY "RECON"?

Butler, Pennsylvania, is the birthplace of the Jeep. The very first Jeep prototype was the Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC), a vehicle that shaped history and reflected the grit, ingenuity, and pride of this town. Recon Brewing pays tribute to that legacy. Just as the BRC came to life here, so did Recon. Now our taprooms continue to showcase Jeep memorabilia as a nod to the heritage that inspires us.

 

OUR GROWTH

Before opening our first taproom, we built a strong local following by participating in brew festivals and sharing our early creations with the region. In May 2017, we opened our first brick-and-mortar location in Butler, establishing Recon Brewing as a relaxed, welcoming gathering place for all.

​

The community response fueled our expansion.

• Cranberry Taproom: Opened April 2021 in the Meeder development by Charter Homes & Neighborhood, where the Cranberry community welcomed us wholeheartedly.

• South Fayette Taproom: Opened February 2022 in South Fayette, another partnership with Charter Homes that broadened Recon’s presence in the Pittsburgh region. At Hastings, we teamed up with our friends at Steve and Benny’s to serve great food alongside our beers.

​

OUR COMMITMENT

Collectively, our founders and team bring more than 70 years of volunteer fire service experience. Community has always been at the heart of who we are. “Drink local” is more than a slogan, it’s how we choose to operate. We source materials, equipment, and design locally whenever possible. Our branding and artwork are created by Butler native, head brewer, and longtime friend Jack Laughner, and our custom brewing equipment was manufactured just an hour away.

​

LOOKING FORWARD

In 2025, Recon Brewing welcomed two new owners, Rob Mikita and Mike Sherman, to join Nate and Toby when Dave stepped down to spend more time with family. As we continue to grow and evolve, our mission remains unchanged: to create spaces where anyone can unwind, connect, and enjoy a pint crafted with care.

​

From our roots in Butler to every pint poured today, Recon Brewing is, and always will be, built for the community that built us.