by Jennifer Dietz
11/18/2016

Crafted was packed on Saturday afternoon for the shop’s 2nd Anniversary celebration. Firestone Walker and The Mass Beverage Alliance were on-site pouring to a full house and answering questions.  Owner Ken Onofrey was chatting with customers, working the register along with employee CJ Harper, and being dad to his four children that stopped by with his wife Melissa, to show their support for Dad and Crafted.

Tasting area.

Owner Ken Onofrey, wife Melissa and their four children.

I had a chance to speak with Ken and a number of guests.  It was clear that Ken has not only gained a following of loyal customers over the last two years – but many have become friends.

I overheard James from Wrentham and Kevin from Holliston discussing the finer points of a specific beer while I was not too discreetly taking pictures. I started talking to them and learned that Kevin was in fact Ken’s first official customer two years ago.  Kevin now comes to Crafted a few times a week.  He told me that Ken knows what he likes and is always able to suggest new things.  James shared that he appreciates that Ken can always answer his questions which he says is not true of all places. 

Kevin (with back to camera), Crafted’s first customer and James from Wrentham.

Customer Laura Raney, pictured below, had the most to say about Crafted. She said the loves the ambiance, selection, and that when she tells Ken what she is looking for, he is quick to respond with multiple choices. She went on to say, “Ken is the poster person for a Holliston Business Owner.  He is supportive, quick to promote local events, and draws a loyal following from Holliston and surrounding towns because of his unique beer selection”.  Laura’s boyfriend, Farm Manager at Silverwood Organic Farm in Sherborn, Abel Clark visits Crafted as often as he can.

Laura Raney and a friend’s baby check out the beer selection.

Jessie McCain from Millis frequents Crafted and was in to grab the last two Backwoods Bastards from Founders Brewing Company off the shelf, a hard to find beer that a friend recommended.  Jessie seemed thrilled to have found the beer and said, “Crafted is like a candy store for adults.”

Jessie – Happy with his find!

Gilbert from Holliston is another regular in the shop. When I asked him what he liked best about Crafted, he paused and then told me he likes the mood of the place and the way Ken does business.

Ken and Gilbert, talking shop – in the shop.

Ken was busy at the event and had limited time to talk.  I asked Ken what the hardest part of being a small business owner is.  He said, “I’d say feeling stretched too thin on a daily basis. There aren’t enough hours in the day to give the shop the attention it needs and take some time to spend with my family and get out into the community. I feel like something’s always being let to slide, so managing time has been the most difficult aspect.”   I also asked Ken what his goals are for year three. “In year three, I think I’d like to simply catch my breath, just a little, and continue to grow the business. I do have eyes on expanding down the road, but in the short term, now that I have some experience under my belt, I want to, not rest on our laurels, but simply improve on what we do and grow the business organically”.

Ken went on to ask that I please remind people that every Monday in November a portion of profits will be donated to Boston Children’s Hospital.  Ken’s six year old daughter Sammy was diagnosed last November with a brain tumor. “Sammy was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland and had it removed at Boston Children’s last November. She’s had, and continues to have, a tough road living without a pituitary gland, as well as dealing with other ongoing issues, but through all the tough times, and there have been many, she still calls Boston Children’s Hospital her favorite place on earth. She gets excited every time we have an appointment coming up. That’s a testament to the work that all the doctors, nurses and support staff do there. Our family will forever be grateful for that.”

Sammy (age 6) patient at Boston Children’s Hospital.