Big Springs Spirits' Happy Valley Pivot: From Hand Sanitizer to Safe To-Go Cocktails

Big Springs Spirits keeps Happy Valley thriving with house-made sanitizer and convenient to-go cocktails.

For Big Springs Spirits, this season has been ever-changing, but they've remained resilient. "Overall, we'd say we've been fortunate," shares Tasting Room Manager Lucy Rogers. "We've retained our core staff through shutdowns and reopenings—from 25% to 50% capacity—and business has stayed strong."

Pivoting During Shutdown to Meet Local Sanitizer Needs

Rogers explains how the team adapted swiftly. During shutdowns, Big Springs Spirits shifted to online sales, shipping, and fulfillment, boosting e-commerce significantly. Meanwhile, Owner Kevin Lloyd sourced materials to produce hand sanitizer, addressing local shortages.

In the first shutdown week, they bottled sanitizer for local first responders and donated a pallet of liter bottles to the Centre County Office of Emergency Services. They produced 12,000 8-oz. bottles, donating full revenue to the FaithCentre Food Bank and Bellefonte Y Anti-Hunger Program. Kevin also led a summer Drive-In Movie event in Bellefonte, with all proceeds benefiting these causes.

Creating Safe Spaces for Enjoying Big Springs Spirits

As Pennsylvania reopened, Big Springs Spirits doubled outdoor seating with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approval. "We've spent recent months ensuring a safe outdoor space through Central PA winters," Rogers notes. "Our patio features heaters and burn barrels surrounded by chairs for effective warmth."

Safety measures include daily staff self-screening, thorough sanitization of tables and areas, and laminated menus wiped after each use. Cocktails now come in compostable plastic cups with lids to minimize contact.

With indoor dining paused until at least January 4, they've pivoted to deliveries of bottled spirits, one-liter ready-to-drink cocktails, and made-to-order 6.8-oz. individually bottled cocktails in four-packs—delivering fresh, authentic experiences. These are also available for pickup.

Explore options at https://bigspringspirits.square.site/.

They also provide curbside pickup and free same-day delivery in Bellefonte for bottles and merchandise, so you can savor favorites like their signature vodka, rum, or ready-to-drink cocktails from home.

Big Springs Spirits | 198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823 | 814-353-4478