June 4th 2024.
In an effort to expand its presence in the beverage industry, a brewery owned by Black entrepreneurs has joined forces with other diverse business owners. Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. recently announced its plans to connect with and uplift fellow Black entrepreneurs.
The company, based in Inglewood, was founded in 2019 by Beny Ashburn and Teo Hunter. As they began to establish their business, they quickly recognized the strength and impact of working together with other Black-owned breweries. This realization led them to team up with three other breweries and form the Circle of Crowns Beverage Group.
Hunter explained, “From the beginning, we knew that Crowns & Hops had the potential to make a significant impact in the industry. There are very few entrepreneurs, especially in the craft beer world, who are actively addressing diversity. We wanted to change that.”
The lack of diversity in the craft beer sector is a pressing issue. According to Hunter, out of the 10,000 breweries in the United States, only 80 are owned by Black entrepreneurs. This statistic motivated the founders of Crowns & Hops to not only pave their own way but to also support and guide others on a similar journey.
Ashburn added, “Starting our business was a challenging experience. We had to learn how to raise capital and streamline our operations. Now, we want to use our knowledge and experience to help others succeed. We had a lot of support and guidance when we first started, and we want to pay it forward.”
To achieve their goals, the brewery has partnered with Full Circle Brewing Co., a California-based company that is the largest Black-owned craft brewery in the nation. Full Circle also owns Speakeasy Ales & Lagers and Sonoma Cider. Together, the group shares resources and expertise, with a focus on reaching Black consumers in the growing craft beer market.
Hunter shared, “Our efforts are not just about promoting racial equity in our country, but also about making a significant impact in the beverage industry as a whole. Businesses are constantly looking for new ways to attract diverse customers, and we believe that is the future of craft beer.”
The success of Crowns & Hops is evident, with sales increasing by 30% annually. The brewery has a strong presence in California and has plans to open a taproom at the Los Angeles International Airport. Additionally, they continue to highlight and celebrate Black entrepreneurs through their "Top 5 Blacks in Brewery" series. This initiative showcases the achievements of Black-owned breweries and encourages others to join the industry.
In conclusion, Crowns & Hops' dedication to promoting diversity and supporting fellow Black entrepreneurs has not only brought them success but has also made a significant impact in the beverage industry. Their journey serves as an inspiration to others, and their efforts continue to push the needle towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
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