Photo courtesy of Mike Camunas, photographer
Who We Are
At Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, we are a small, family craft brewery located just a little North of Tampa Bay in Pasco County, FL. Our passion for brewing delicious, high-quality beers has led us on over a decade long journey to create unique and innovative brews that reflect the spirit of our industry. We are more than just a brewery, we are a gathering place for friends and family to come together and enjoy great beer, conversation, and community. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters goodwill. Come join us for a pint or a flight of our latest creations, and experience the legacy of Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company for yourself.
Erin Bishop Owner, Co-Founder, & CEO
Erin Bishop is a Co-Owner, Co-Founder, and CEO of Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company where she works with her team to provide authentic in house brewed craft beer to the neighboring communities. Erin began in the hospitality industry at age 15, where she was a prep chef at a local breakfast café. From there, she expanded her knowledge base with catering, serving, bartending, and managing front of house operations. Over the years, she developed a love for entrepreneurship and the service industry. In 2011, she assisted her husband, Mike Bishop, in opening his first craft brewery located in Pasco County Florida. In 2019, Erin began a consulting company to assist small businesses, such new breweries and bar start-ups, with build-out and operations. In 2021, after working as a Registered Nurse for over 13 years at a local Tampa hospital, she developed her second business and became self-employed as a Legal Nurse Consultant.
In August 2021, the idea of creating a true community brewery for local residents became a priority. Erin began seeking additional opportunities when she came across a project called, “The Hub”. Soon after, plans for Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company were put in motion with the facility making its debut in May 2023. A production facility and second location, Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory in Odessa Florida opened in September 2024 where the team continues to serve exceptional beer in another comfortable community atmosphere.
Mike Bishop Owner & Co-Founder
Mike Bishop graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Finance in 2006. He started his career in financial services as a financial advisor, obtained his Series 7, 66, and 31 as well as his Series 220 for general insurance. His keen interpersonal skills earned a reputation of trust amongst his clients, earning him awards for being a top producer at Morgan Stanley.
After a successful run in the financial industry, Mike founded the first brewery in Pasco County in 2012. This brewery grew exponentially over the years, garnishing several awards including Best Beer in Florida 2016, and employing over 50 people. Mike was instrumental in the leadership of the business, building experience in all facets of starting and growing a manufacturing facility, including obtaining his degree in Brewing Sciences from the esteemed Siebel Institute of Brewing. Mike left the company when his ownership shares were sold to his partners in 2019. In the years following, Mike used his skills for consultation assisting in the build-out of breweries to the area.
Mike is a strong community advocate in Pasco County with many influential contacts, and currently sits on the following boards: Pasco County Government Tourism Development Council, Pasco Education Foundation, United Way of Pasco County, and the Rotary Club of New Port Richey. He is a graduate of Leadership Pasco Class of 2017, Pasco County Citizen’s Academy, and is a Rotarian with the New Port Richey Rotary. After holding a position as Senior Vice President with the Pasco Economic Development Council, Mike currently plays a vital role for Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company and Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory overseeing production, business development, and distribution.
Justin Schau Head Brewer
Justin Schau, Head Brewer at Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, began his career in the craft beer industry in 2009 while earning his degree in Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University. As a Pennsylvania native, Justin developed his love for beer while working at family-owned Sprague Farm & Brew Works in Venango, Pennsylvania where he became an Assistant Brewer. At Sprague Farm & Brew Works, an old dairy barn converted into a brewery and beer hall, Justin experienced the entire brewing process from farm to keg as he used their own farm grown hops and barley to help create their award-winning farm ales and lagers.
In 2013, Justin began working with one of the top craft beer producers in the United States, Southern Tier Brewing Company. There, he worked with major production brew systems and eventually became a Head Brewer at their Pennsylvania location. In 2015, he completed his formal brewing education earning a certificate in Brewing Technology at World Brewing Academy, Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. After 8 years in major production brewing, Justin’s love for innovation and small batch brewing lead him to Pittsburgh’s 28 Bridges Brewery where he helped rebrand and create an award-winning brewery. In 2023, Justin made his venture to Florida to become part of the Thirsty Bufalo Brewing Company team.
In his free time, Justin enjoys spending time outdoors. Growing up in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, Justin was always surrounded by farmland, lakes, and national forests. Hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring have always been some of his favorite activities. Saturdays at Penn State in the Fall are also tough for him to beat, watching and cheering on the Nittany Lions football team. Live music, sporting events, and spending time with friends and family are also things he enjoys.
Joel Moore Production Brewer
With 20 years of experience in the brewing industry, Joel began his journey at a brewpub in Omaha, Nebraska, working as a busser, server, bartender, and even assisting brewers by hauling grain and cleaning the brewery. This hands-on experience opened the door to his first full-time role as an assistant brewer, eventually leading him to study the art and science of brewing at the Siebel Institute in both Chicago and Munich.
After honing his skills in lager brewing during several years in Utah, Joel moved to Florida with his wife in 2015, becoming an active and passionate member of the local brewing community. Having spent the past few years focusing on operations, he is now excited to return to brewing, bringing to life the creative beer ideas he’s been crafting in his mind.
When it comes to beer, Joel’s favorite is simple: “Whatever is well made and makes me want to order another.”