Barry Labendz

Co-Founder and General Manager of Kent Falls Brewing Company

Rural Grainsheds

Barry Labendz is one of the owners and operators of Kent Falls Brewing Company and founding member of The Northeastern Grainshed Alliance. The grandson of immigrant bakers, Barry grew up in NJ surrounded by small, community focused businesses. After studying Philosophy and Small Business Administration at Muhlenberg College, and a decade of working at small financial institutions in NYC, Barry moved to Connecticut to open the State’s first farm brewery. From the outset, Kent Falls has been devoted to working with local suppliers and now sources 100% of their grains from farmers and maltsters in the Northeast. These relationships are the foundation of the Northeastern Grainshed Alliance, where Barry is a founding member, and advocate for their Square Foot Project, a mission to connect consumers with the farmland used to produce the breads, beers, and spirits they purchase.

Back to Speakers