Oil Well Craft Beer Celebrates Nearly a Decade of Growth in Ave Maria

What began as a small bottle shop and neighborhood pub in 2017 has grown into one of Ave Maria’s most beloved gathering places. Founded by Matt and Daneé Williams, Oil Well Craft Beer (OWCB) has evolved into a full-service brewery and restaurant with 24 employees, a loyal following and a strong commitment to the community. 

 “It feels like a dream realized,” said Matt. “Originally, my goal was to start a small bottle shop and have a warm, inviting space where people could meet and share unique craft beers. As the town grew, and as we became more involved, things just kept opening up for us — almost like destiny.” 

 Daneé added, “When we first started, we had to work so hard to get our name out there. Now, we still work hard, but we feel the love of a very loyal clientele. Our customers tell us all the time how proud they are of us and how this is their favorite place in Ave Maria. That loyalty is everything.” 

 What began as a single-unit bar, OWCB now occupies four storefronts, including a state-of-the-art brewery, an entertainment room with a stage for live music and a full kitchen with a brick pizza oven. The expansion, completed in November 2025, has multiplied the brewery’s capacity fivefold and added a canning line for OWCB’s signature brews. 

Behind a glass wall, customers can watch brewer Ross Wright, once a bartender and sandwich maker, tend to the gleaming tanks. After completing the University of South Florida’s brewing program, Wright has become the creative force behind OWCB’s beers, producing everything from Belgian-style triples to fruited wheat beers and robust stouts. Wright and Matt are currently developing non-alcoholic and low-alcohol fruit seltzers in flavors like mango, blueberry and strawberry. 

OWCB has become a hub for community connection in Ave Maria. The brewery hosts live music, game nights, trivia, karaoke and seasonal outdoor events. The event space is also available for private gatherings. “We’ve had couples meet here and later get married,” Matt s said. “Our bartender, AJ, started with us as a 22-year-old student, and now he’s married with a baby. People celebrate life here; it’s their neighborhood bar.” 

 From the beginning, the Williams have made community involvement a defining part of their business. OWCB supports numerous local organizations and causes including youth sports, schools, churches and nonprofit fundraising efforts. Bingo nights and themed events often double as fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits. 

 “We live here,” said Daneé. “Our kids grew up here. Supporting local nonprofits strengthens the community we love, and we try to do something meaningful every month.” The couple also owns The Secret Ingredient, a boutique that collaborates on fashion show fundraisers and donates portions of sales to causes ranging from cancer support to anti-trafficking initiatives. 

Family is woven into the fabric of OWCB’s success. The Williams’ children have all worked at the bar in various roles, from cleaning in the early days to running the kitchen and sharing their culinary creations today. Many employees are Ave Maria University students or local young adults, and their loyalty reflects the owners’ genuine care. “The staff is the face of our business when we’re not here,” said Daneé.  “They know that customer service comes first, and they’re always eager to help.” 

 As OWCB looks ahead, plans include expanding outdoor gathering spaces, increasing private event opportunities and exploring local retail distribution of its craft beer offerings.

Located at 5334 Ave Maria Boulevard, OWCB is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with food service until 8:30 p.m. Online ordering is available at oilwellcraftbeer.com. For the latest schedule of events, future fundraisers and ways to get involved, follow Oil Well Craft Beer and The Secret Ingredient on Facebook and Instagram.