Deandre Ridgel Opens Utah’s First Black-Owned Brewery with a Bold Mix of Culture, Community, and Craft

A New Chapter for Utah’s Craft Beer Scene

Deandre Ridgel is changing the face of Utah’s beer industry. On May 23, he opened Policy Kings Brewery in Salt Lake City, marking the state’s first Black-owned brewery.

Ridgel isn’t just pouring pints—he’s building a space where everyone feels welcome. “They’re in our space. They feel comfortable,” he said of his diverse customer base. That includes Black, white, Latino, Polynesian, and other communities who now see themselves reflected in a place rarely known for inclusion.

From Cedar City Roots to Salt Lake City Dreams

Ridgel first opened Policy Kings in Cedar City back in 2018. When his lease ended, he saw a bigger opportunity in Salt Lake City. So he moved north, bringing his vision of diversity, culture, and craft with him.

The Central Ninth neighborhood is now home to the new brewery, thanks in part to a $75,000 loan from the city’s Economic Development Loan Fund. The city recognized Policy Kings not only as a business, but as a cultural hub.

“This is not just a brewery,” said Lorena Riffo-Jenson of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “It’s a gathering place where people can connect.”

Culture and Craft Go Hand in Hand

Ridgel believes great beer is just one piece of the experience. The real goal is inclusion and culture. “For us, our focus is beer and culture, beer and diversity,” he said. That’s why the bar features art and imagery honoring Black legends like Charlie Parker, Jimi Hendrix, and Tupac Shakur.

While fewer than 1% of U.S. craft breweries are Black-owned, Ridgel isn’t waiting for the stats to improve. He’s already doing the work, and he wants people to see Policy Kings for more than its ownership.

“When someone says Black-owned, they need to also understand the years we’ve put into this,” he said. “We’re not a startup.”

From IT Burnout to Brewmaster Dreams

Before opening a brewery, Ridgel worked in the information technology field. But burnout led him to follow a new path—one that blended his passion for beer-making with a desire to build something lasting.

“It was kind of a big jump,” said his wife, Sara, “but he’s always wanted to own his own business.” That leap of faith turned into a full-time commitment to community and craft.

Now a father of two, Ridgel sees Policy Kings as more than a career—it’s a legacy. “I just want to be able to bring more people together that haven’t been together,” he said.

What’s Next for Policy Kings?

Ridgel hopes to begin brewing his own recipes by August. He’s currently finishing some upgrades and awaiting the final permits. Until then, Policy Kings will continue to serve beer, vibes, and cultural connection.

From bold brews to bold community-building, Deandre Ridgel is raising the bar—literally and figuratively.