Evan Fay has made history in Detroit’s craft beer scene. The Air Force veteran opened Roar Brewing Co. on March 23, 2025, marking the city’s first Black-owned brewery. Located in the former Nain Rouge Brewery space, Fay’s establishment combines quality craft beer with a strong community focus.
“I found a love for craft beer while in the military,” Fay told WXYZ-TV. His passion began during his service in Wyoming, where he discovered the thriving beer culture of nearby Fort Collins, Colorado. Now he’s bringing that passion home to Detroit with offerings like honey oat stout, pilsner, and farmhouse ale.
From Military Service to Brewing Pioneer
Fay’s journey into brewing started far from Detroit. While stationed in Wyoming, he developed an appreciation for craft beer’s creativity and culture. After leaving the Air Force, he noticed a significant gap in his hometown’s brewing scene – the absence of Black-owned breweries.
“I think it’s wild there hasn’t been one before,” Fay told Crain’s Detroit. While breaking barriers wasn’t his primary motivation, he recognizes his success creates opportunities for others. With less than 1% of U.S. breweries being Black-owned, Roar Brewing represents an important milestone in the industry.
More Than Just a Brewery – A Community Hub
Roar Brewing aims to be more than just a place to drink beer. Fay envisions it as a gathering space where people can learn about craft brewing while enjoying quality beverages. The brewery currently focuses on its drink offerings, with plans to bring in food trucks to complement the experience.
“It’s more of an experience as opposed to being just a bar,” Fay explained. This community-focused approach mirrors his other business venture, Café Noir, a French-inspired coffee shop in North Detroit designed as a welcoming space for neighbors to connect.
Paving the Way for Future Brewers
Detroit has a strong small business ecosystem, but the craft brewing industry has lacked diversity. Fay had to seek guidance from outside his immediate community to navigate the brewing world. Now, he hopes Roar Brewing will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
“We want to be here for a long time for when other Black breweries come into the city to thrive,” Fay said. With his military discipline and deep commitment to Detroit, Fay’s brewery is poised to make a lasting impact on the city’s craft beer scene and beyond.
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