Funkytown Brewery: Crafting the Chicago American Dream One Pint at a Time

In the bustling streets of Chicago, a bond formed in the fourth grade would become the foundation for something far more groundbreaking than three young friends could have imagined. Rich Bloomfield, Zack Day, and Greg Williams grew up together, their friendship enduring through a shared educational journey at historically Black Grambling State University in Louisiana. Their return to the windy city heralded not only the start of promising careers but the brewing of an idea that would change their community’s landscape forever.

Observing a curious pattern at social gatherings, Bloomfield, now CEO of Funkytown Brewery, noted they were often the sole representatives of the Black community embracing the craft beer scene. The curiosity from peers at these events presented a golden opportunity to share their passion for craft beer with an audience traditionally overlooked by the industry.

Bloomfield reflected, “We found our lane by introducing craft beer to those unfamiliar, guaranteeing a selection that resonated with their palates. It was clear: brewing beer rooted in the tastes of underserved communities could forge an untapped market.” Thus, a dream was set in motion.

The Journey From Homebrew to Household Name

The narrative of homebrewers turning pro might sound cliché, but for the Funkytown trio, it was a deliberate and purposeful path. They embarked on their home brewing adventure in 2017, with sights firmly set on launching a brewery that would meet their minority communities on equal ground.

By 2021, the dream materialized into reality as Funkytown opened its doors within the nurturing walls of Pilot Project, a brewery incubator in Logan Square. Their mission? To bring quality beer to their community and to do it collectively.

A Craft Beer For The Culture

“Our mission is clear,” Day expresses. “We aim to diversify the craft beer audience, appealing to Black, Brown, and female beer enthusiasts by crafting approachable styles.” Their beers, infused with familiarity yet tinged with innovation, have struck a chord in the market, reaching beyond Chicago to Wisconsin and Indiana. As of 2022, with 800 barrels under their belt and projections to double in 2023, it’s evident the emphasis isn’t on volume but on community impact.

Chalonda White, a prominent voice in Chicago’s beer scene, praised Funkytown’s debut offerings. “Remarkable quality from the get-go,” she remarked, highlighting the inviting nature of their beer. Funkytown’s creations, like ‘Hip-Hopsâ’ and ‘R&Brew Pale Ale’, encapsulate the company’s ethos, while their branding unabashedly celebrates their Black-owned status.

Their multi-faceted approach extends beyond beverages, incorporating relatable cultural and hip-hop elements into their labels, resonating profoundly with their target audience.

Bringing Craft Beer Home

In a powerful move to bridge the gap, the Funkytown team has ventured into Black neighborhoods lacking craft options, collaborating with retailers like Whole Foods and Jewel-Osco to lead tastings and create introductions.

“Our story is about crafting better beer for our community, transcending preconceived notions,” says Bloomfield with pride. Their events, too, carry the banner of inclusion, from curated music selections to comfort cuisine, crafting an inviting atmosphere for the BIPOC community.

American Dreams and Brewery Schemes

Funkytown’s hard work and dedication caught the eye of Boston Beer’s ‘Brewing the American Dream’ program in summer 2023. Setting them among the finalists, the program, founded by Jim Koch of Sam Adams fame, reflects on the early struggles and aims to assist upcoming breweries with capital, coaching, and networking opportunities.

“We provide what was missing during our foundation years—mentorship and financial aid,” explains Koch, determined to pave smoother paths for newcomers like Funkytown.

Funkytown’s infectious energy and commitment to quality saw them clinch the popular vote at the Crafting Dreams Beer Bash, securing them a spot as the program’s year’s winner. This accolade ushered in a deluge of opportunities, including exclusive mentorship and an accelerated growth trajectory.

Expanding Horizons with Heart

With Boston Beer’s support, Funkytown envisages opening its own taproom to further foster their vision. And yet, they refuse to lose sight of the value in organic growth, measured steps, and community roots.

From education scholarships at revered institutions like the Siebel Institute to strategic collaborations, every advancement serves their overarching goal: to create a vibrant, diverse space that inspires new craft beer journeys.

Funkytown’s story isn’t just about beer—it’s a narrative of dreams, inclusivity, perseverance, and the power of unity. The pursuit to open a Chicago taproom by late 2024 may be ambitious, but with their communal ethos and newfound alliances, they’re brewing a future where craft beer becomes as diverse as the city they love.

Together Toward Tomorrow

As Funkytown Brewery continues to weave its way into the hearts of beer aficionados across states, their journey serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of friendship and the transformative potential of inclusivity. In a craft beer world often perceived as homogenous, Funkytown stands tall as a beacon for change, a herald of cultural richness, and, most importantly, a cherished hangout where everyone is welcome. Here’s to Funkytown—where every pour comes with a story, and every sip is a taste of dreams crafted with care.