– By Cara Aungst

Mike Olmstead is the manager ofA Axemann Brewery, a brewery and tap room located in a revitalized metal factory in Bellefonte. aIam a people person,a Mike said. aAnd I try to stay positive in all situations.a

Heas worked in various roles in hospitality throughout his career. aI started by attending Pittsburgh Bartending School and had my first job at Red Lobster behind the bar.a

aI work with some of the most hard-working, fun-loving people. People who love to have a good time and work well with each other. We hope that our guests can feel that positive energy as it helps to create that atmosphere for thema

– Mike Olmstead

When he enrolled atA Penn StateA to study Hospitality Management, he worked part-time at Players Nightclub on College Avenue, and then moved on to help openA Bill Pickles TaproomA in 2005, where he stayed on as a manager for the next 15 years. In 2020, he joined Axemann as the General Manager.

aAxemann has become such a go-to destination in just a few years,a he said. aItas an ideal place for events like baby showers, retirement parties, bridal Showers, wedding rehearsals and birthday parties. The space just lends itself to making all kinds of memories.a

He says that working as the manager is the opposite of Groundhog Day: aEvery day is a new day. We are constantly changing beers, hosting events and making people’s day better.a

Making peopleas day better is the key, Mike says. aItas all about helping people to sit back, relax with friends and, of course, a beer. At Axemann, they can forget about the stresses of the outside world.a

Guests can relax and enjoy their time because of the team at Axemann. aI work with some of the most hard-working, fun-loving people,a he said. aPeople who love to have a good time and work well with each other. We hope that our guests can feel that positive energy as it helps to create that atmosphere for them.a