Oklahoma City has witnessed a remarkable renaissance in its craft beer scene, with many new breweries emerging to meet the increasing demand. The Quinland brothers recognized a unique opportunity in this growing market, paving the way for innovations in brewery design and beer offerings. As the local craft beer movement gains momentum, residents and visitors alike are savoring the rich flavors and community spirit that craft brewing represents.
The Big Friendly Brewery's concept is unique in the craft beer landscape, having transformed an old school bus into a fully functioning taproom. This innovative approach not only serves quality beer but also adds a nostalgic touch that resonates with customers. By leveraging creative design and community-driven vision, the Quinland brothers have successfully captured the essence of social drinking in Oklahoma City, making good beer even more accessible and enjoyable.
At the heart of The Big Friendly’s success lies its commitment to community engagement and collaboration. The brewery has quickly become a local favorite, praised for its production of high-quality beers that resonate with the desires of craft beer enthusiasts. Having received numerous awards for their brews, including those at prestigious beer festivals, The Big Friendly exemplifies how community, creativity, and passion can harmonize to create exceptional craft beer experiences.
In recent years, Oklahoma City has transformed into a must-visit location for craft beer enthusiasts, proudly holding the title of one of the best beer cities in the nation. The Big Friendly, an award-winning brewery founded by brothers Joe and Will Quinland, has played a significant role in this transformation with a unique concept: a brewery constructed in a converted school bus. The siblings, motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between food trucks and breweries, took inspiration from the vibrant festival scene to create a mobile taproom experience. After ten months of renovations costing approximately $25,000, they took their dream on the road with a fully functioning taproom complete with eight taps inside and eight outside. Joe Quinland's journey from real estate in California to operating a brewery in Oklahoma City began in 2007, influenced by family ties and a yearning for a different lifestyle. Unlike the fast-paced environment of San Diego, where he felt overlooked amidst the ocean's allure, he found a welcoming community in Oklahoma City, ripe for entrepreneurial opportunities and surprisingly low competition. At the time of Joe’s arrival, there was only one brewery in the entire state. Fast forward to today, and that number has surged to about 80, thanks largely to the rise of craft beer culture initiated by pioneers like Prairie Artisan Ales. The Quinland brothers, having first perfected their brewing skills at home, have dedicated themselves to creating beers they genuinely enjoy. Their philosophy centers on community engagement and creativity, which they believe are vital in brewing quality beer. Since opening in 2020, The Big Friendly has garnered multiple accolades, including gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. With each brew, they emphasize freshness and flavor, crafting a light, sessionable beer filled with bright citrus notes that aligns with their vision of integrating community and flavor into every pint served.
