Born in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Matt Bonney grew up with older sister Angela and two younger brothers, Ben and Phil. Much like any boy growing up, Matt sought identity and acceptance from his peers while simultaneously developing an individuality at home. In speaking with his brother Ben, it became evident that early-on Matt was a selfless boy, which would serve him later in life. This would be no more evident, than when he (along with his sister and younger brother Phil) sought to help their ailing father in California. By the time Matt and his siblings moved to California, Matt was already a step-father to three daughters and spouse to his (then) girlfriend Lynn. Leaving his relationship in Wisconsin, relocating to California, would also serve to provide Bonney with something he never had growing up, direction and purpose.

While in California, Matt and his siblings provided support for their ailing father. As his father's health continued to deteriorate, Matt was already fast becoming an experienced brewer having migrated to the position of Assistant Brewer. But life had other plans for the trio and so, when weighing his accomplishments against his future, Matt chose to be with his love in Seattle while providing his youngest brother Phil an opportunity to join him or remain with his older sister Angela. Phil, homesick and not quite ready to be away from the comfort of his larger family, returned to Wisconsin to be with mother Barbara, older brother Ben, and immediate family. He would later join his brother, Matt, at the age of 25 in 2009.

By the late 90's Matt's experience in brewing would assist him in Seattle, while also inspiring the formation of a strong friendship with a young man from Oakland (California) named Matthew. Here Matt's natural talent for seeing potential in others would compliment Matthew Vandenberghe's desire to open a world-class, specialty beer store, a Belgian-inspired restaurant, and a cocktail-focused restaurant. For the duo of Matt and Matthew, a bond developed both professionally and personally. Bonney also never forgot the importance of selflessness and family which is why he made it a point of acquiring work for daughter Amanda and his youngest brother Phil while supporting strangers who needed work.