Anne Arundel Brewery Overcomes Pandemic, Plans Taproom Expansion

ODENTON, MD — Opening a brewery used to be a pipe dream for Earl Holman. Now, he runs one of Maryland's most popular taprooms.

Holman launched Crooked Crab Brewing Company with two friends in February 2018. Their bar was becoming an Odenton staple when COVID-19 struck in March 2020.

The pandemic forced Crooked Crab to adapt, but it also grew the business into the powerhouse it is today. With higher demand than ever, the company plans to expand its taproom and brew even more beer.

"The demand for beer didn't go away with the pandemic," Holman told Patch. "If anything, it increased because people are stuck at home and they want to drink more ... It's just a matter of finding new ways to get our beer to the people that want it."

Crooked Crab sells its brews to local watering holes and liquor stores, but the business mainly focuses on its taproom.

The bar accounted for 80 percent of revenue before the pandemic. Wholesale hauled in the remaining 20 percent.

The lockdown disrupted that rhythm and paused seated service around the state.

With their main revenue stream unavailable, Holman and his team had to get creative. The brewery, however, was considered essential under coronavirus regulations.

The business took that opportunity to brew more canned beers. Crooked Crab sold most of its alcohol in kegs before the pandemic, but bars were no longer open to buy in bulk. That meant consumers instead sought six-packs and small cases of beer.

Home deliveries, online purchases and takeout orders also grew. Thanks to this flexibility, the brewery never had to trim its staff during the pandemic.

Crooked Crab beers are available throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Widespread sales raised exposure and brand awareness across the region. Extra interest drove new customers to the taproom when it returned to full capacity last year.

The bar now fetches 60 percent of Crooked Crab's revenue. Wholesale drives the other 40 percent.

"We didn't know what to expect, but thankfully people like our beer," Holman said. "The local support just here in the greater-Odenton area has been awesome."

Crooked Crab's three co-founders are all from Montgomery County. They picked Odenton because Anne Arundel County did not have any breweries at the time. The trio also saw a chance to bring a unique experience to the rapidly growing area.

The business frequently gives back with fundraisers and charitable beers. It has hosted functions for animal shelters, fire stations and cancer patients. Other initiatives have supported youth sports teams and women in the beer industry.

RELATED: Odenton Brewery Raises Money For Local Fire Department

These events build a sense of community in the 2,200-square-foot taproom. The bar holds 140 people, but Holman thinks it's a tight-knit bunch.

"We want everybody that comes in here to feel like they're part of our family," the Gaithersburg native said. "We try to have a really fun atmosphere in here."

The taproom features a chalkboard wall and board games for the kids. Adults appreciate the wooden accent wall behind the bar and the nautical mural on the far side.

Fans can catch the game on the 10-foot projector screen. Customers also welcome a full-day happy hour each Monday, trivia every Wednesday and live music on most Saturdays.

The soaring windows cap it all off with a glimpse of the brewing facility, which spans about 4,000 square feet.

Crooked Crab makes all its beers in-house. The process takes two or three weeks for most brews.

The first step is grinding the grains and heating them in water. Brewers eventually transfer the mixture into one of six tanks that are about 600 gallons each. After the liquid ferments with yeast, workers bottle the brews in kegs or cans.

The cycle then starts all over, generating a rotating menu of lagers, sours and stouts.

Crooked Crab does not specialize in one type of beer. It instead brews a wide variety to ensure a diverse tap list.

The best seller is a New England pale ale called Haze For Days. Regulars love its juicy and citrusy flavor. At 6.2 percent alcohol by volume, it's smooth enough to sip casually.

Another favorite is Furious George, a Hefeweizen. This wheat beer checks in at 5.6 percent ABV and tastes like a banana.

Super Brewer Steve rounds out the top selections. At 7 percent ABV, this India Pale Ale won first place in its category at the 2021 Maryland Craft Beer Competition.

"We try to produce the best beer possible no matter what," Holman said. "Quality I think, first and foremost, is what we strive for."

That commitment has continued since Holman pitched Crooked Crab to his partners in 2015.

Holman has always been the self-professed beer geek. His buddy Dan Messeca handles the finances. Their friend Alex Josephs is in charge of the website and social media.

The University of Maryland graduates are now eyeing a taproom expansion.

Crooked Crab leased the suite next door. The brewers plan to knock down the wall between the units and add more seating.

The renovation will also free up space for three more tanks. The current brewery is running at full capacity, so the company hopes the new facility will boost production.

A pizza kitchen will complete the remodel and bring permanent food service. Crooked Crab currently teams with food trucks to feed its customers.

The construction should be done later this year. The project will expand the business by 8,700 square feet.

Crooked Crab is located at 8251 Telegraph Road, Suite D. Patrons can contact the brewery by calling (443) 569-9187 or emailing earl@crookedcrabbrewing.com.

Residents can also follow the business on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. More information is available at crookedcrabbrewing.com.

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