John Romano is a father, home brewer, and Co-Founder of Nickel Brook Brewing Co., proudly based in Burlington and the Halton Region, where the brewery has grown alongside the local community for more than two decades.
His journey began in 1992 with Better Bitters, one of Canada’s most successful home brewing centres, which evolved into Nickel Brook Brewing Co. in 2004. Since then, John has been a driving force behind both Nickel Brook and Ontario’s craft beer movement—helping establish Burlington as a cornerstone of craft brewing in the province.
A longtime advocate for craft beer in Ontario, John is known not just for great brews, but for building community in Halton and beyond. From mentoring new brewers to supporting local events, charities, and small businesses, his impact extends well past the brewhouse doors.
Outside the brewery, John’s love of gardening and cooking often finds its way back into his work—he’s been known to drop off fresh garlic from his 600-bulb backyard harvest while travelling across the region.
