Fourteen years ago, a brewery born from a handwritten business plan in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan opened its doors in St. Albans, Vermont.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve our community for the past 14 years. We owe deep gratitude to our investors, supporters, family, and friends — your belief and encouragement made this dream possible. Above all, I want to thank our employees, past and present. So many remarkable people have walked the halls of our brewery, and each has left a lasting impression on the business and on our family. We would not have endured without their heart, dedication, and loyalty to the brand. Together, as one family, I’m confident we’ll thrive for another fourteen years and beyond.”
— Zachariah Fike, Owner and General Manager
From Afghanistan to Franklin County
The story of 14th Star Brewery began in 2010 when founders Steve Gagner and Matt Kehaya were deployed overseas. Longtime homebrewers, they spent their downtime discussing two things familiar to many soldiers: beer and life after military service. What started as a handwritten business plan eventually became 14th Star Brewery.
After an open house in December 2011, 14th Star Brewery officially opened its doors on Lower Newton Street in St. Albans in January 2012, filling growlers to-go and operating on a makeshift 3.5-barrel brewing system built from retrofitted maple sugaring equipment. As demand grew, so did the brewery.
In 2014, with the help of investors, family, and friends, 14th Star moved into its current 16,000-square-foot home at 133 North Main Street, transforming the former St. Albans Bowling Alley into a brewery and Taproom capable of producing over 8,000 barrels annually. In 2016, the brewery installed its own Wild Goose canning line, expanding distribution throughout the Northeast.
Like many small businesses, 14th Star faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to online ordering, curbside pickup, and outdoor service before eventually returning to full operations. More recently, the brewery launched its Mug Club program in 2023 and welcomed Black Radish Catering as its in-house food partner in 2025.
More Than Beer
Over the last 14 years, 14th Star has released more than 300 different beers and earned 24 beer and brewing awards, along with 19 community and business awards.
Beyond brewing, the company estimates it has contributed more than $1 million in donations, sponsorships, fundraising support, and community partnerships benefiting organizations throughout Vermont and beyond, including the Franklin County Trails Alliance, Hard’ack Recreation Area, United Way of Northwest Vermont, Steps to End Domestic Violence, Northwest Family Foods, the Alzheimer’s Association, Pink Boots Society, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Purple Hearts Reunited, and many others.
Today, 14th Star’s community extends far beyond the brewery walls, with a large social media following and a loyal Mug Club membership of more than 100 members.
Looking Ahead
The craft beer industry has changed dramatically since 2012. Consumer tastes continue to evolve, competition has intensified, and breweries across the country have faced new challenges in recent years.
Yet 14th Star remains optimistic about the future.
By continuing to focus on quality beer, meaningful community connections, innovative new releases, live events, and creating memorable experiences for guests, the brewery is committed to building on the foundation established over the last 14 years.
The anniversary celebration serves not only as a chance to look back, but also to raise a glass to what’s next.
Whether you’ve been with us since the Lower Newton Street days or just discovered us recently, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate 14 years of great beer, great people, and the community that made it all possible.
Here’s to the next chapter, and Cheers to 14 years!