At the center of it all are two husband-and-wife teams: Laura and Dave Elliott, alongside Barbie and Cory Fernelius. What began as a shared dream between two couples has evolved into a thriving, family-run brewery and restaurant where every detail, on the plate and in the glass, reflects their collective vision.

A Brewery Years in the Making

The story of Battle Alley Brewing Co. is really the story of two journeys converging.

For Dave and Laura Elliott, the love of breweries dates back decades. Fans of the craft scene since the 1980s, they always imagined owning a brewery someday. After retiring from General Motors, Dave took that dream a step further, attending brewing school with plans to enter the industry.

For Cory and Barbie Fernelius, the path was a bit more recent, but no less passionate. Their love for craft beer took hold around 2010, and by 2013, Cory had begun homebrewing. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something more serious. He co-founded the Genesee County Homebrewers group and immersed himself in the science and artistry of brewing. But for Cory, beer was never just about the process, it was about connection.

That sense of community would later become the backbone of Battle Alley.

In 2015, Cory entered the professional brewing world, quickly rising from assistant brewer to head brewer. Along the way, he crossed paths with Dave while helping open another brewery. After working side by side, it became clear they shared the same goal: to create a place centered on great beer, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere in a community they loved.

Battle Alley Brewing Co. was the natural result.

A True Family Operation

While Cory serves as head brewer, pitmaster, and operations lead, overseeing everything from the kitchen and taproom to events and social media, the brewery runs on a true team effort.

Dave manages finances and front-of-house scheduling, while Barbie plays a hands-on role in the taproom, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for. In the kitchen, Head Chef Evan Scheller leads the culinary team, developing monthly specials and executing a menu that keeps guests coming back.

Even the extended family plays a role. Cory’s parents, Dave and Cathy Fernelius, handle maintenance, seasonal décor, and landscaping, helping create the warm, inviting atmosphere that defines the space.

Monthly specials

Comfort Food Comes First

While many breweries lead with beer, Battle Alley Brewing Co. proudly flips the script.

“We’re a restaurant first and a brewery second,” the team says.

The menu is rooted in scratch-made comfort food — think barbecue, burgers, stacked sandwiches, and indulgent mac and cheese. Everything is designed to be hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.

One standout? The Battle Alley Brisket Melt, a towering creation of slow-smoked brisket, thinly sliced and piled high on toasted sourdough with melted provolone, caramelized onions, and garlic herb aioli, served alongside house-made au jus. It’s been described, fittingly, as “a grilled cheese French dip on steroids.”

Another fan favorite is the build-your-own mac and cheese, where guests can pile on toppings to create their own comfort food masterpiece.

And while the core menu delivers classic crowd-pleasers, the kitchen’s monthly specials offer room to get creative, introducing bold, unexpected dishes that keep the experience fresh.

Something for Everyone on Tap

Behind the bar, the same philosophy applies: variety and accessibility.

Battle Alley Brewing Co. offers a wide range of house-made craft beverages, from crisp, easy-drinking light beers to hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, sours, and reds. Standouts include the “Bevins Coast” West Coast IPA and the B.A. Classic Light, an approachable brew designed for everyone.

Beyond beer, the beverage program continues to expand. Guests will find house-made ciders, eight flavors of seltzers, wine, and a growing lineup of non-alcoholic options.

Among them is the Back Alley Soda Company, featuring craft sodas made in-house. The flagship, E & D’s Old Fashioned Root Beer, holds special meaning, created by Cory alongside his daughter, Ellery.

Welcoming, Flexible, and Community-Focused

Battle Alley’s atmosphere is as important as its menu. Designed to be family-friendly and relaxed, it’s equally suited for casual dinners, game days thanks to multiple big-screen TVs, or private events.

From birthday parties and wedding rehearsal dinners to celebrations of life, the space has become a go-to gathering place for the surrounding communities, just minutes from Fenton and Grand Blanc.

The team also hosts regular events throughout the year, reinforcing their commitment to creating experiences, not just meals.

A Celebration of Story and Place

Perhaps the most distinctive event is their annual anniversary celebration, to be held May 16. Each year, the party leans into the lore of Holly’s historic district with a playful circus theme, complete with creative food specials and unique beer releases.

This year’s highlight? A bold 16% blood orange IPA, alongside a lineup of specialty taps designed to mark the occasion in unforgettable fashion.

The Spirit of Battle Alley

At its core, Battle Alley Brewing Co. is about more than food and drink. It’s about the moments that happen around them — the conversations, the laughter, the sense of belonging.

It’s the result of years of dreaming, learning, and building, brought to life by a family dedicated to creating something meaningful for their community.

Whether you come for the brisket, the beer, or the atmosphere, one thing is certain: at Battle Alley Brewing Co., you’re not just a customer, you’re part of the story.