Our Story
Where good beer, good food, and good people always meet.
Pull up a chair, you are among friends.
Steve & Ericka
Ericka Nicholson was born and raised in northwest Kansas, rooted in the rhythms of rural life. Steve became a Kansan 15 years ago. Together, their story reflects an unwavering commitment to serving others, preserving precious resources, and helping northwest Kansas economies thrive for generations to come. When they launched Center Pivot Restaurant & Brewery in Quinter, it wasn’t just about beer or food—it was about honoring the land, the community, and the joy of sharing themselves with others.
Steve spent decades teaching life sciences in the classroom, but his true passion was home-brewing. A chance encounter in the early ’90s between two coaches—Brewer Steve and “BIG DEAN,” the Godfather of our brewery and the reason we exist today—sparked a hobby that grew into an obsession. It led to decades of recipe development, flavor experimentation, and ingredient hunts. Visitors will see Dean's influence throughout the building, from the custom-made live-edge black walnut bar and accessories to images of their trips together and even some of Steve's brews.
Meanwhile, Ericka—raised on family farms north of Quinter in a home filled with her mother Donna's made-from-scratch meals and her grandmother Johanna's bakery treats—has mastered hearty, honest cooking and baking. For generations in her family, food has been a love language.
Together, they dreamed: “What if we could combine our passions—craft beer, meaningful food, and community—right here in northwest Kansas?” That dream became Center Pivot, starting on Main Street in Quinter and now taking root in the heart of downtown Colby.
Every plate carries a legacy: from brewery staples like pizzas and appetizers to special events featuring recipes with lamb, beef, and pork sourced from local farms and butcher shops whenever possible. The space is rustic yet refined—a restored downtown building (affectionately named “Frankie”) with the honest feel of downtown Colby, where wheat fields once swayed and hops now swirl in the tanks.
As local business owners, Steve and Ericka don’t just serve the community—they live in it. Ericka still volunteers with EMS, while Steve chases upland birds or takes their Labradors for a romp. Every day, they pour with purpose and plate with pride.
Welcome to Center Pivot—where the land’s bounty meets craft creativity, and you’re invited not just to dine and drink, but to belong.
