Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company

In The City of Frederick, many local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company

Catoctin Popcorn Company was established in 2001 and sold its signature kettle corn on roadsides and at local fairs. More than a decade later, the company's factory and retail store are located in Frederick, Maryland (behind AstraZeneca/MedImmune's biologics manufacturing facility). The store offers a variety of delectable treats, including its namesake's kettle popcorn.

Catoctin Popcorn's factory is fully-stocked with the company's complete product line. In addition to offering over 35 varieties of popcorn, customers can purchase roasted nuts, preserves and butters, peanut brittle, and more. Additionally, decorative tins and baskets are available for purchase and are especially popular at the holidays.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development had the chance to stop by Catoctin Popcorn's factory and retail store and talk to managing member Bryan Casey.

Q&A with Managing Member Bryan Casey
Bryan Casey took the time to answer a few questions about the business, its products, and why he enjoys doing business in Frederick.

Catoctin Popcorn's factory store is fully-stocked with the company's entire product line, including gift tins and baskets.

How long has your company been in business?
Catoctin Kettle Korn was started in 2001. In 2007, we purchased the business and changed the name to Catoctin Popcorn Company. 

What are your product/products?
We are most famous for our Kettle Korn and Caramel Popcorn, but have a large following who enjoy many of our other flavors. We make over 36 flavors - as diverse as Apple Pie, Peanut Butter Cluster or Dark Chocolate Drenched Popcorn.

What makes your product different?
Although not all of our products are all natural, we specialize in making all natural, delicious snacks from popcorn grown here in the mid-Atlantic region.

A bird's eye view of the production area.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?
Our premium popcorn uses the best ingredients to make a product that is rich and delicious. It's an indulgent snack for any occasion. We are now carried by some of your favorite grocery stores as well. Our products can be found in Frederick at Weis Markets and Giant Eagle.  In Baltimore, we are in ShopRite and Weis Markets. In Pennsylvania, we can be found at Renders', Weis Markets and Kennie's Markets.
 
What does Frederick offer a company like yours?
We love being located in Frederick. It's central for distribution purposes and loaded with great people to help us make, and eat, our popcorn.

If you go

Catoctin Popcorn has a full factory store (650 MedImmune Court, Frederick, MD 21703) that is open to the public on most weekdays.  As the hours of operation vary throughout the year, visit Catoctin Popcorn's website for more information. Catoctin Popcorn's products are also available in Frederick at Giant Eagle and Weis Markets.

 

  

Want to be featured?
If you or your business has a product that's made in The City of Frederick, contact us and let us know more about your business, product, and why Frederick is a great business location for you. 

Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery Offers First Spirits in Frederick

Dragon Distillery became Frederick's first distillery within the City in 2016.

In The City of Frederick, local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business. Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery 
Founded in late 2014 with a grand opening in early 2016, Dragon Distillery is Frederick's first small-craft distillery in the city. Located directly across from the airport, they specialize in small batch artisan spirits, made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Their belief in individuality, creativity, and innovation shines through in their product as well as their medieval-themed decor. They are members of the American Distilling Institute, Maryland Distillers Guild and the Frederick Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to production, Dragon Distillery has a tasting room. Visitors can tour and taste their products on-site. Visit their website for details. 

Dragon Distillery owner Mark Lambert shared some thoughts about Frederick and his distillery.  

Q&A With Dragon Distillery Owner, Mark Lambert

Dragon Distillery offers tours and tastings Friday-Sunday. Visit their website for details.

 
What are your products?
Joust Gin, Clustered Spires Vodka, Bad Bill Tutt Moonshine
 
What differentiates your products from others? 
We are Frederick City’s first craft distillery. We use locally-sourced products, and hand-craft each batch.
 
What should customers know about your products? 
We are committed to producing exceptional local spirits. We encourage customers to stop by the distillery to learn about our process, and taste our products
 
What does Frederick offer a company like yours? 
My family settled in the Frederick area in the mid 1700s. I think Frederick is an exceptional city, and a wonderful destination. The city and residents have been extremely supportive and welcoming. We really appreciate all of the support for our distillery.

If You Go

Dragon Distillery is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check with Dragon Distillery directly for most recent hours of operation.

Hours
Friday: 4pm – 7pm
Saturday: noon – 6pm
Sunday: noon – 4pm
Other times by appointment

Tours are offered on the half-hour, and cost $5 per person. This includes the tour, tastings, and a souvenir shot glass.

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108
Frederick, MD 21701
www.dragondistillery.com 
Facebook | Twitter

Medieval-themed decor sets the tone in Dragon's tasting room.

The cauldron-like still, the Figgins Reciprocator, is nicknamed “Smaug.”

Clustered Spires Vodka, named in tribute to the City of Frederick – the City of Clustered Spires, is clean and crisp. They recommend it for sipping, or as the base of your favorite cocktail.

Dragon Distillery grand opening on February 13, 2016.

Made in Frederick: ShieldCo

In the City of Frederick, a variety of local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many small businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

Made in Frederick: ShieldCo

ShieldCo is a family and veteran owned business, owned by brothers Luke and Neil Markey, along with their father, Peter Markey. The company is located in Frederick, Maryland and creates custom business signage and interior décor for a variety of clients. 

From business plaques to sports logos, ShieldCo can make a quality piece of interior artwork for any customer. ShieldCo has made custom products for the University of Maryland, Columbia University and many other clients. The company has even created custom metal pieces of Central Park and the Frederick skyline.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development had the chance to stop by ShieldCo's offices and talk to co-owners, Luke and Neil.


Q&A with ShieldCo Co-Owners, Neil and Luke
Neil and Luke took the time to answer a few questions about their business, their products, and why they enjoy doing business in Frederick.

SheildCo co-owners and brothers Luke and Neil Markey. Photo courtesy of www.shieldcoart.com.

How long has your company been in business?
2013

What is your product/products?
Custom 3D business signage and interior décor.

What makes your product different? 
We turn logos and designs into art. Our technique allows companies to take a 2D logo and make a unique 3D representation. All our pieces are laser cut and industrially powder coated so they can be used inside or out and will last lifetimes.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?
It will make their company or organization stand out from the rest. It is durable and will last and is made locally in Frederick, Maryland.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours? 
Great support from local customers who believe in us and want to see us succeed. Great artisan and artistic culture that appreciates quality and design. 

Want more information on ShieldCo?
If you would like to see more of the products ShieldCo produces or would like to get information on how to purchase your own piece of custom artwork, visit ShieldCo's website.


Connect with ShieldCo
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Google+

Want to be featured on our blog?

If you or your business has a product that's made here in Frederick, contact us and your local business could be featured in our next blog post.

This story was completed by our fall 2015 intern from Hood College, Nick Masucci. 

Made in Frederick: Monocacy Brewing Company Offers Creative Takes on Craft Beer

The Monocacy Brewing Company opened in 2012 as an expansion to Brewer's Alley in Downtown Frederick, and has been brewing a variety of local craft beers for three years in its current location. The company was created when Brewer's Alley reached capacity and needed to brew more beer.

Jim Bauckman, the sales marketing director for Monocacy Brewing Company, said that the goal of the company is to create a great local beer made for a diverse group of people.

           

“We strive to represent really creative takes on the growing varieties of craft beer,” said Bauckman.

The brewery is located just outside of Downtown Frederick, and customers can buy and sample beer in their tasting room and tour the facility. Thanks to a recent change in the laws, customers can also buy beer by the pint on site.

Bauckman says that Monocacy's beer is made from locally grown and malted grain. “We are uncompromising when it comes to the quality of our products, from the tap to your refrigerator,” he added.

           

According to Bauckman, Frederick is a great location for Monocacy because of how many people in the surrounding area know about the city.

           

“Everyone knows where Frederick is and the city is becoming a great attraction,” said Bauckman. “Frederick has a lot to offer any business.”      

Monocacy Brewing plans to expand its market base while still having a positive impact on the local community.  Bauckman said that Monocacy has hosted events for Frederick nonprofit organizations.         

“We do our best to give back to the community,” said Bauckman. 

If You Go
Monocacy Brewing Company's tasting room is open to the public for sampling, full pours of draft beer, and growler fills. Tours are offered on weekends as well. For more information and hours, visit Monocacy Brewing Company's website. 

Jim Bauckman, Sales & Marketing Director, and Tom Flores, Brewmaster.

This post was written by Hood College intern, Nick Masucci. 

How Dublin Roasters Makes "The Most Excellent Beans"

Made in Frederick: Dublin Roasters Coffee

Story by Nick Masucci, Intern, Hood College

When walking into Dublin Roasters Coffee for the first time, there is an open atmosphere that makes customers feel welcome. This was owner Serina Roy’s goal when she moved her coffee roasting business to Frederick, Maryland.

Roy began roasting coffee 15 years ago as a hobby for small coffee companies in Frederick and Westminster when she wasn’t working as a police officer for The City of Frederick. As she started delivering coffee to more coffee shops, Roy also started demonstrating her coffee-roasting techniques and speaking to customers at different events in the area. Her business grew after more customers tried her coffee and saw how she crafted it.

Roy originally started roasting coffee in her garage before moving into a shop in New Market, Maryland. Her business was located in New Market for three years before moving her shop to Frederick in 2010.

Today, Dublin Roasters creates a variety of roasted coffee beans in their shop, which is located on 1780 N. Market Street in Frederick. In her shop, she sells coffee by the cup, specialty drinks, baked goods, and locally-made products.  Dublin Roasters can also create custom coffee blends for customers for special occasions, such as weddings. All of their beans are locally roasted in Frederick.

In addition to roasting coffee beans, Dublin Roasters offers fresh coffee by the cup, specialty coffees, their special roasts by the bag, baked goods, locally produced foods and handmade items.

According to Roy, starting with a quality product is the secret to crafting a great cup of coffee. “We only buy the most excellent beans,” she said.  Her beans come from small family farms, and she personally knows the farmers.

When roasting her coffee, Roy said that “every single bean reacts differently to the heat and to the environment.” The beans tell you how to roast them and that each bean tells its own tale. This is one of the things that Roy enjoys most about her business.

“The coffee is freshly roasted; we only roast when a customer orders it or when we’re out of coffee,” said Roy. Roy said that Dublin Roasters prides itself on making fresh coffee for its customers, making sure their coffee is not acidic or bitter.

Bean roasting process step-by-step.

Frederick offers a great community of people who support local businesses, she said. “People here want to put their money into homegrown things,” said Roy. The community goes out of its way to support local businesses and locally made products.

Roy considers Dublin Roasters a community center for the people of Frederick and for people who are passionate about coffee.  The shop’s open space allows different groups of people in the community to come together and meet.

At Dublin Roasters, “We want to talk to you; we don’t want to just serve you,” said Roy.

Learn more about Dublin Roasters

www.dublinroasterscoffee.com

About Made in Frederick -  Made in Frederick posts will feature items that are locally manufactured or produced within The City of Frederick. If you have a suggestion for a Made in Frederick feature, contact us.