Co-founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi, pose with BridgePort's first brewmaster, Karl Ockert, at the brewery's grand opening in 1984 when it was known by its original name "Columbia River Brewery." At the time, patrons could taste beer at the brewery, but not legally purchase it onsite. The Ponzis, along with other local brewers, successfully lobbied on behalf of the Brewpub Bill, which made it possible for local brewers to sell their products directly to the public.