Breaking Barriers in the Craft Beer Industry
Brothers Mengistu and Richard Koiler have opened the doors to Two Locals Brewing Co., Pennsylvania’s first known Black-owned craft brewery.
This groundbreaking venture, located in the bustling University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia, is not only a testament to the Koilers’ passion and entrepreneurial spirit, but also a significant milestone in the craft beer industry’s journey towards greater diversity and representation.
The Koiler brothers, who grew up in West Philadelphia, have been home-brewing beer as a hobby since 2016, while maintaining their day jobs in finance and accounting.
However, their love for ales, lagers, and stouts soon transcended mere hobby-level enthusiasm, inspiring them to take the leap and become their own bosses.
Overcoming Challenges and Pandemic Setbacks
The path to opening Two Locals Brewing Co. was not without its challenges. In 2018, the Koilers formed a limited liability company for their business, but still needed the necessary funding to get the brewery up and running. Just as they were ramping up their crowdfunding efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, threatening to derail their plans.
“We kind of looked at each other like, all right, well, this isn’t going to work,” Mengistu Koiler recalled. “You know, it’s a pandemic, and we’re here, we are asking people to donate.”
However, the Koilers persevered, joining other breweries across the country in raising money for social justice organizations during the protests and civil unrest that followed the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Walter Wallace Jr.
This act of solidarity not only helped sustain their dream, but also underscored the importance of community and social responsibility in the craft beer industry.
Embracing their Philadelphia Roots
With their doors now open, the Koiler brothers are committed to keeping their brewery as Philly-centric as possible. This commitment is evident in the names of their beers, such as the “Good Jawn” pale ale, which pay homage to the city’s unique vernacular and culture.
“It’s an amazing city with amazing people who are very passionate,” Mengistu Koiler said, reflecting on the decision to establish their brewery in the heart of West Philadelphia. For the brothers, this was more than just a business venture – it was an opportunity to plant their roots in the community that shaped them, and to inspire others who share their dreams of entrepreneurship.
According to the National Black Brewers Association, fewer than 1% of craft breweries in the United States are Black-owned, a statistic that underscores the significant barriers that entrepreneurs of color have faced in this industry.
