From Hobby to Hometown Staple: The Peters Family Builds Smokehouse Brewery
What started in a Berwick garage in 2019 as a part-time retirement project for Mike Peters has since grown into one of Nova Scotia’s most beloved craft breweries. Smokehouse Brewery, owned by Mike and his wife Shelly along with their son Andy, has quickly evolved from a hobby-sized operation into a multi-location business making its mark across the province. Their daughter Aleesha, who currently manages the front-end and restaurant operations, is also preparing to join the ownership team—making it a true family venture.
From the start, Smokehouse set its sights on producing high-quality craft beverages while cultivating an environment where people could gather comfortably and consume responsibly. Every detail, from the brewing process to the atmosphere in their taprooms, reflects that balance of craftsmanship and care. It’s a business built as much on heart and hospitality as it is on hops and barley.
In 2021, Smokehouse opened its first taproom in Berwick. Eventually introducing a full menu, it soon cemented its place as a community gathering hub. Two years later, CBDC Hants-Kings stepped in to support the business’s expansion into Halifax, opening a taproom on Agricola Street. “Having CBDC’s support gave us peace of mind,” says Shelly. Knowing their growth was backed by a partner who believed in their vision allowed the Peters to expand their operations with greater clarity and confidence.
Early on, Mike found it hard to capture the attention of traditional lenders—the difference with CBDC Hants-Kings was immediate. “The banks weren’t interested back then, but CBDC was easier to deal with, more personal, more custom-built for our situation.”
The Peters family credits CBDC Business Advisor Deanne Corkum for playing an active role in their success. “She’s very professional—very, very well-informed,” says Mike. “She’s made a personal effort to be part of what’s going on. With her, we know we’re not just a file.”
Today, Smokehouse employs an average of 13 staff and has achieved milestones many small breweries dream of—earning shelf space at the NSLC, opening multiple taprooms, and soon preparing for their biggest leap yet: a large-scale brewpub and restaurant in Berwick’s historic railway building, slated for Summer 2026. “That’s when we’ll really be in control of our own destiny,” says Mike.
For those thinking of starting a business, Mike offers simple advice: “CBDC Hants-Kings is very approachable. If you have a business idea, they’ll sit down and listen to you. It’s not intimidating at all.”
Beyond the growth and accolades, Smokehouse remains deeply tied to its Berwick home. “People just needed a place to come, have a drink, and not feel like they were taking up a seat,” says Shelly. Mike adds with a smile, “Not to be cliché about it, but we’ve kind of become the Cheers of Berwick.”