Exploring Life & Business with Danny Ranville of Biere de Mac Brew Works

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Ranville.

Hi Danny, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to founding Biere de Mac Brew Works began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my entrepreneurial drive took root early. At age 15, I was already running a small business doing landscaping and “enterprising” with other side projects, learning the value of hard work and opportunity. This foundation led me to Northwood University, where I studied marketing and entrepreneurship, complementing my education with hospitality roles, including memorable summers working on Mackinac Island. Those experiences deepened my connection to Northern Michigan’s unique culture and community.

After graduating, I moved to Colorado, where I discovered the craft beer industry. A pivotal moment—enjoying a Breckenridge Brewery, Vanilla Porter in Denver’s Washington Park—ignited my passion for brewing and inspired a vision to bring that creativity back home. During a visit to Michigan, a conversation with my father sparked the idea for Biere de Mac Brew Works. In late 2016, we proudly opened the first brewery in the Straits region, located just a mile and a half south of the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City.

As General Manager and Head Brewer, I oversee all aspects of the business, from crafting distinctive beers like our Second Beach French Grisette and Blueberry Wheat to fostering a welcoming taproom environment. A standout milestone was delivering our first keg to Mackinac Island, a moment that felt deeply personal given my family’s longstanding ties to the island. Building Biere de Mac has been a rewarding challenge, blending innovation with tradition to create a community hub. I’m excited to continue growing our brand, introducing new brews, and strengthening our role in Mackinaw City’s vibrant future.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Operating Biere de Mac has been an incredible journey, but it’s not always been smooth sailing. Running a business tests your resilience. We’ve faced challenges like staffing hurdles, securing financing, and navigating unexpected crises like COVID-19—definitely not something we penciled into our five-year plan! Despite these obstacles, we’ve pushed forward, learning and adapting every step of the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What We Do and Specialize In:

At Biere de Mac, we craft small-batch beers with a nod to French and Belgian brewing traditions, emphasizing complex flavors, balance, and creativity. Our 7 barrel brewing system allows us to experiment with styles like Biere de Gardes & Grisettes, as well as the popular American styles such as IPAs and Wheat Ales, while staying true to classic profiles. You’ll find 14 taps pouring favorites like The Loudmouth Blonde, Blueberry Wheat, and Janis the Eagle, each telling a story of the region’s history and our passion for quality. Beyond beer, we offer a few signature sandwiches that compliment our draft offerings.

We specialize in creating a welcoming taproom experience that blends craft beer with community spirit. Located just a quarter-mile south of the Mackinaw City limits, our brewery offers a cozy atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists with our extensive outdoor beer garden. We’re known for our innovative beers and our commitment to Northern Michigan’s heritage, making us a go-to destination in Mackinaw City.

What Sets Us Apart:

What makes Biere de Mac stand out? It’s our unique blend of heritage, innovation, and community focus. As the first brewery in the Straits of Mackinac, opened in late 2016, we broke new ground in an area rich with tourism but untapped for craft beer. Our French/Belgian niche sets us apart in a market often dominated by hop-heavy IPAs or traditional lagers. We lean into styles that are approachable yet sophisticated, appealing to beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Our family-driven story also distinguishes us. Founded with my father, George Ranville, Biere de Mac is deeply tied to the region’s history, with roots tracing back to the French fur trade on Mackinac Island in the 1800’s. This legacy informs everything we do, from our beer names to our partnership and distribution efforts, like delivering our first keg to Mackinac Island—a milestone that felt like honoring our heritage.

We’re also hands-on. Our taproom isn’t just a place to grab a pint; it’s a hub for events, tap talks, and local partnerships, like collaborating with Michigan beekeepers for seasonal brews or local orchards for our house cider. This connection to place and people sets us apart from larger, less personal operations.

What We’re Most Proud Of, Brand-Wise:

Brand-wise, we’re incredibly proud of our identity as a trailblazer in the Straits region. Being the first brewery here wasn’t just a business move—it was a statement about bringing craft culture to a new frontier. Our logo, inspired by French heritage and the Mackinac Bridge, embodies this blend of tradition and progress. We’re proud of how our beers tell stories: each name, like Second Beach or Fleur de Mac, ties to the region’s history, making every sip a nod to Northern Michigan.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people who know me or our brewery might be surprised to learn that our top-selling beer, Blueberry Wheat, which dominates both in-house sales and distribution, is actually one of my least favorites of all our offerings. It’s the beer that keeps the lights on, though! As the saying goes, “Let them eat cake,” but for us, it’s more like, “Let them sip Blueberry Wheat!”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bieredemac.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bieredemac/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bieredemac
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bière-de-mac-brew-works/
• Twitter: https://x.com/bieredemac