Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Roaches Jr., Devon Daniel and Jonathan Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carl, Devon and Jonathan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Craft Beer has long been a passion of ours. We have been home brewers for many moons, and craft beer connoisseurs for even more. The night that Hurricane Harvey struck Houston in the summer of ’17, Carl was in Jonathan’s kitchen waiting on a batch of beer to cool. During a tense discussion about whether Carl would be able to make it home, the idea of bringing beer to the masses was birthed.
Along the way, several other members have joined the fold, and have worked to bring our dreams to reality. Now there are roughly fifteen individuals associated with the company who assist with the planning and marketing of the business. Our goal is to empower, educate, and entice a new demographic of diverse craft beer drinkers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been without its bumps. One of the primary challenges is ensuring that the company doesn’t place itself in a position that results in financial ruin prior to the company opening its doors for the first time. Unlike a lot of industries, alcoholic beverage companies can not sale their product until they have obtained a location, their brewing equipment, then received the proper certifications from the local municipality, the TABC, and the TTB. So the owners have been trying to balance finding a location with reasonable rent, but also one with reasonable curb appeal.
Lately, Covid-19 has created a situation where it almost feels like a “Catch-22”. We were in the midst of negations with a few places, but the pandemic raised understandable questions with perspective landlords (Will the economy be in a place where your business can be supported, for instance). This resulted in some changing their minds on leasing their premises at all at this time.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about For The Culture Brewing – what should we know?
For The Culture is poised to be the first brewery comprised of mostly people of color in the Greater Houston area. We believe that we will be able to provide an enjoyable and authentic brewing experience. It will also be a place dedicated to expanding the palatte of the novice craft beer drinker. At this time, ~85% of craft beer drinkers are compromised solely of Caucasians. 60% of that number are male. We believe there is a huge demographic that is being untapped and ripe for craft beer introduction.
Additionally, we are fortunate to have one of the first Black master brewers in the United States, Michael “Mufasa,” Ferguson assisting us with our brewing. This automatically gives us a level of credibility that few budding breweries can enjoy.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Devon Daniel, founding member, and brewmaster. Michael “Mufasa” Ferguson has been a huge influence. His knowledge of beer making, as well as consulting skills, have been invaluable. Miguel Rodriguez, teammate and founding member. Jeffrey Brown, teammate and founding member. Jennifer Brown, teammate and social media. Rodney Waites, teammate and social media with “Worth The Waites” consulting. Tosh Villery, teammate. Corwin Walker, teammate. Ashley Brown, founding member. Jia LeBlanc, founding member. Valerie Simpson, founding member. Jeanine Abuahmad, founding member. Shenna Brown, founding member.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fortheculturebrewing.com
- Email: info@fortheculturebrewing.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortheculturebc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortheculturebc
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortheculturebc
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