Axemann in the News
May 2025 - Axemann Brewery Promotes 2 Managers
Axemann Brewery is pleased to announce the promotions of Brett Michael and Melanie Kipp to management positions.
Melanie Kipp – Events Coordinator
Melanie Kipp (Mel) has been a bartender and assistant manager at Axemann Brewery for more than 3 years. A graduate of Penn State, she has 11 years of industry experience in the Centre County area. As the new Events Coordinator, she will manage scheduling and logistics for group rentals and special initiatives. This role is crucial to the success of Axemann, where multiple events may happen simultaneously in the 27,000 SF space that includes a first floor taproom and game area plus a second floor loft with outdoor deck as well as brewing operations. Mel has proven extremely proficient in coordinating events of all kinds from birthday parties to company meetings to weddings, while maintaining a strong focus on customer service to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests. She is currently working with local businesses and entrepreneurs to expand our weekly and monthly special events, giving our customers more opportunities to be involved with games, music, crafts, science, and more. |
Brett Michael – Taproom Manager
Brett Michael, a 2008 Penn State grad who has been working at Axemann as a bartender and assistant manager since October of 2021, has been promoted to Taproom Manager. His 30 years of experience serving customers in the Centre County area has equipped him with the skills to manage staff, inventory, and scheduling efficiently, ensuring smooth operations and a high level of customer satisfaction. Having a Taproom Manager familiar with the industry and the local culture is crucial for understanding customer preferences and creating a welcoming atmosphere, and we are fortunate that Brett has accepted this responsibility. |
Congratulations to Mel and Brett!
Town & Gown May 2025 - Pinball Wizards Move to Axemann
Daily Item February 1, 2024 - Two New Craft Breweries Opening in Selinsgrove
Proud to be named a Must-Visit Brewery in PA
Axemann's spring seasonal, Maifly (Maibock), Featured in the Seen Through a Glass Podcast
Centre County Announces United Way Campaign Results at Axemann State College.com, Feb 24, 2022
How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Quaint Bellefonte Aug. 3, 2021
The Story Behind the Rise in Popularity of Bellefonte State College.com, Jan 20, 2022
Axemann Brewery - a safe and inviting locale Dec. 29, 2020
Watch us on helping happy valley live
bellefonte.com honors axemann's history

Read full article here.
July 24, 2020 - WTAJ: "New Centre Co. Brewery Blends Hops with History"
WTAJ visits axemann
If you haven't seen it yet, view the video by WTAJ.
July 3, 2020 - Centre Daily Times: "What’s on tap? Centre County’s newest brewery sets opening date after months of renovations"

After nearly a year of work, Rod Stahl’s dream is coming true as Axemann Brewery prepares to open next week.
Starting Wednesday, the brewery will open its taproom, located at 2022 Axemann Road in Spring Township, just outside Bellefonte. Owned and operated by Stahl, the business will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 4-10 p.m., according to a Facebook post.
When Stahl was first introduced to the 104-year-old site, the 20,000-square-foot space needed hefty renovations. After replacing the factory windows, doors and flooring, Axemann now has a bar, tables, brewing equipment and a kitchen for the Blonde Bistro, which has been occupying the space for weeks.
“Crazy and naive are probably the two key elements of doing some of this stuff, but we are very excited ... to be part of what’s going on here at Titan (Energy Park) — the revitalization of this facility,” Stahl said told the CDT in February.
After moving from downtown Bellefonte to the former Cerro Metal Factory, the Blonde Bistro is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-8 p.m. Axemann and the Blonde Bistro have listed precautions both are taking to ensure customers’ safety online, including increased cleaning and sanitation, employee health screenings, mandatory masking and using disposable containers.
Starting Wednesday, the brewery will open its taproom, located at 2022 Axemann Road in Spring Township, just outside Bellefonte. Owned and operated by Stahl, the business will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 4-10 p.m., according to a Facebook post.
When Stahl was first introduced to the 104-year-old site, the 20,000-square-foot space needed hefty renovations. After replacing the factory windows, doors and flooring, Axemann now has a bar, tables, brewing equipment and a kitchen for the Blonde Bistro, which has been occupying the space for weeks.
“Crazy and naive are probably the two key elements of doing some of this stuff, but we are very excited ... to be part of what’s going on here at Titan (Energy Park) — the revitalization of this facility,” Stahl said told the CDT in February.
After moving from downtown Bellefonte to the former Cerro Metal Factory, the Blonde Bistro is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-8 p.m. Axemann and the Blonde Bistro have listed precautions both are taking to ensure customers’ safety online, including increased cleaning and sanitation, employee health screenings, mandatory masking and using disposable containers.
June 7, 2020 - StateCollege.com: "With Some Creativity, Centre County Breweries Hold Their Own During Pandemic"
March 2020 - Happy Valley Food Guide: "Great Food, Awesome Brews and Fun Games at Axemann Brewery"
February 6, 2020 - Centre Daily Times: "How developers are hoping the Titan Park revitalization helps make Bellefonte a ‘destination"
February 6, 2020 - Statecollege.com: "Brewery and Restaurant 'Just the Beginning' for Revitalization of Former Cerro Metal Plant"
January 22, 2020 - Brews, Games, Food, Event Space: What to Expect at Bellefonte's Axemann Brewery. Featured in the Centre Daily Times Food & Drink section (article available to subscribers).
September 15, 2019 - Axemann Brewery Owner Rod Stahl was interviewed by the Centre Daily Times. Read more here: https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/bellefonte/article234751627.html
Axemann Brewery Featured in the Centre Daily Times
September 15, 2019 - Axemann Brewery Owner Rod Stahl interviewed by the Centre Daily Times.
The Jacksonville Axemen are South Conference Champions!
August 14, 2019 - the Brewing Equipment Has Arrived
See our Brewery Construction page for more photos.