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Shop the Beehive 2024
Looking to local innovators this holiday season
November 7, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Contributed
The NWPA Innovation Beehive Network contributes some suggestions on shopping local this holiday season using those businesses that have utilized the services of the Beehive to enhance their success including, left, TourErie, top, Bad Larry BBQ Tools and Accessories, and, bottom, Brokenstraw Outdoors.
The NWPA Innovation Beehive Network is a free resource for business owners, start-up entrepreneurs, inventors, and more. With local universities and the county library contributing specialized services like market research, crowdfunding help, marketing and branding, and rapid prototyping, they remove barriers that prohibit business growth and innovation. Each of the companies in this section have worked with the Beehive to enhance some part of their business. But their innovative business concepts, and their daily drive needed to succeed, should be credited solely to their entrepreneurial spirit. Enjoy shopping at these various "Friends of the Hive."
Before the Barrel Distillery
Before the Barrel Distillery delivers some much-needed holiday "spirit" to your loved ones this gift-giving season. Flavorful moonshines like salted caramel pecan, hot pepper honey, apple pie, and banana will bring an interesting spin to any mixologist's bar cart, while rum, gin and absinthe round out the selections. Founder and distiller Bernie Blore is prepping a new Greene Township location (moving from Corry), so make sure to follow the company's socials for the most recent news. On the website, you'll find mixology tips, hours, and more. You can only purchase in-person.
Jacked Jerky
Jacked Jerky is the perfect companion for the avid hiker, gym-goer, or frequent road tripper. The Erie brand differs from other beef jerky on the market because they only use grass-fed beef and tamari sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that is rich in flavor and umami. Their protein-packed snack comes in three flavors — Original, Southwest, and Sweet Heat — while the variety pack showcases all three. If you're looking for a gift that keeps on giving, consider signing up for their monthly subscription. Their products can also be found locally at retailers like Gordon's and Sanders Markets.
Puppers
Don't forget the furry members of your family this holiday season. Puppers, a locally-run boutique, will enhance any pet's "purr"sonal closet with the combo of fashionable and functional products. Consider styling your four-legged companions with custom-fit, one-of-a-kind accessories like cozy pajamas or chic crocheted neck scarves. Puppers also stocks toys, beds, and pet-sized couches they can use all year round.
Bad Larry BBQ Tools and Accessories
Bad Larry BBQ Tools and Accessories has your grilling aficionado covered this holiday season. The Warren, Pennsylvania company's heavy-duty, stainless steel barbeque tools are made in the U.S., ready to elevate any pitmaster's favorite pastime. Whether you grab a pair of tongs, a spatula, or opt for the full BBQ tool set, they'll be ready for summer 2025 (or whenever you bust the grill out). The double-pronged grill skewers are especially sharp. A four-pack at only $12 is perfect for some shrimp, chicken, and vegetable kabobs.
GramE's Kitchen
GramE's Kitchen offers delicious (and addictive) snack mixes to please salty and sweet lovers alike. Your options include garlic ranch, jalapeno cheddar, chocolate and vanilla twist, and maple bacon. And if you're having trouble choosing just one, the $20 sampler box includes 10 assorted flavors. On top of securing some easy stocking stuffers, you'll also be supporting a family-run local business and an operation dedicated to their late GramE. Purchase online, or find GramE's Kitchen products at select Country Fair locations (see their Facebook for exact stores). You'll also find the team at many regional events and festivals.
Spice Sisters
A business that recently relocated to Erie, the Spice Sisters bring a handcrafted and versatile line of spice blends, condiments, and sauces to the region. Take the "Dynamo Dust" as an example — described as a "roast rub and stuffing blend," you can also use it to flavor soups, sauces and dips, along with dusting potatoes and even baked goods. The extra spicy "Roarin' Russum," featuring South Asian flavors, can be used as a broth/gravy/soup thickener, or you can use it as a base for chutney. Browse their webstore for more global creations, or head over to the Erie Food Co-Op (1341 W. 26th St.)
Brokenstraw Outdoors
Based out of North East, Brokenstraw Outdoors is home to "The Boss," a shooting rail/rest that attaches above a hunter's tree stand and that helps you achieve an accurate and safe shot. Hunters will love how they can adjust the device quickly and quietly, allowing them to sit or stand, and they'll appreciate that it's constructed from American-made steel (it will also stand up to the pesky Pennsylvania elements). The innovative product was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Ben Franklin Technology Partners' TechCelerator.
FIXED-HHS (Home Handyman Services)
Have a friend or family member that could use some help around the house? The perfect gift might be a visit from FIXED Home Handyman Services. The technicians from FIXED are licensed, insured, and background-checked, and they can address issues ranging from electrical, to plumbing, to home security, to senior safety. Say a family member needs help putting up their yearly holiday lights: FIXED offers 2-hour and 4-hour bundles where they'll help you with lights, decorations, displays and even putting up the Christmas tree! You can book through their website or their app. Let them help you with your to-do list.
Tour Erie
Led by lifelong Erieites and the mother-daughter team of Heather and Lauren Cass, Tour Erie offers educational adventures throughout our city. The "Best of Erie's Bayfront" experience, which you book throughout winter, has segments on the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie, local landmarks (Bicentennial Tower, the library smokestack), and more. This tour lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, and it covers about 1.5 miles over mostly flat terrain. The new business just recently finished up a highly successful run of their "Eerie Stories" tours. A perfect gift for those visiting the city or those who just want to reconnect with the town around them.
North Edge Craft Coffee
This local coffee roaster has an eclectic blend of caffeine-charged options, spanning local inspiration, international origins, and pop culture. Their Bali Blue Moon product is a local favorite, as it's "organically grown in Indonesia" and described as having "prominent chocolate notes and rich earthy undertones." Meanwhile, their newer flavored roasts feature a revolutionary, natural infusion method that includes more organic ingredients and no chemicals or oils. North Edge achieved recent acclaim through their partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook and their product for the women's soccer World Cup. Buy all their roasts at their website or at their physical location (1222 Linden Ave.)