What began more than five years ago as a hobby for a few friends brewing beer in their basement, has turned into a massive, multi-million dollar operation in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts.

Three Heads Brewing just became the second biggest brewery in the city, and the largest micro brewery in the area.

Co-Founder Geoff Dale said, “I don’t think any of us expected this, this quick, and this size. When we were thinking about back in the beginning of opening a brewery…I don’t think anyone envisioned this.”

Up until now, they haven’t had a brewery of their own, as Three Heads contracted with CB Craft Brewers in Honeoye Falls. Dale said having 20,000 sq. ft. of their own will allow more flexibility.

“It’ll just make the whole process a lot easier. You’ll get the beer even a day or two sooner, which is nice, and it’s also allowing us to be a little bit more creative with some of the beers that we’ve wanted to do,” said Dale.

Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association, Paul Leone, said Rochester’s craft beer scene is on an upward trend, much like what he’s seeing across the state. Even the oldest and largest brewery in New York, Genesee, is diving into the scene with their pilot-batch brews.

“First and foremost with any of the breweries is that the quality of the beer has to be good, and what’s happening in New York state right now and especially in Rochester, is that the beer quality is really high and I think that’s why you’re seeing so many people drink local beer,” said Leone.

“People now think about San Diego, or some places out in Colorado. I want Rochester to be a destination that’s talked about, and I don’t think we’re far away.”

Leone says as long as that quality stays high, that’s likely where Rochester is headed. Or as some would go as far to say: three-headed.

Three Heads Brewing will open on Atlantic Ave. on June 16th, with a number of bands and food trucks accompanying the celebrations. Dale says new microbrews will also be released for the occasion.