Funkytown Brewery Opens Taproom on Near West Side

- The brewery was founded by three lifelong friends, Rich Bloomfield, Greg Williams, and Zack Day, who have known each other since grade school and all attended Grambling State University, an HBCU. They started homebrewing in 2017 after noticing a lack of craft beer engagement within the Black community at social events. - Funkytown focuses on creating approachable beer styles, such as pale ales and amber ales, with low bitterness to appeal to consumers new to craft beer. Their mission is to introduce craft beer to underserved communities, including Black people, women, and other minority groups. - Since its official launch in October 2021, the brewery has gained significant recognition, winning the 2021 Brewbound Pitch Slam competition and being named VinePair's 2023 Brewery of the Year. - In 2023, Funkytown was the winner of the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Experienceship, a prestigious award that provides mentorship and resources from the Boston Beer Company. - The company has seen significant financial growth, with revenues increasing from $7,500 in its first year of distribution to a projected $315,000 for 2024. Its products are available at major venues like Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field. - The new taproom project is supported by a $3.7 million Community Development Grant from the City of Chicago. The brewery aims to have the new location open sometime in 2027. - Funkytown began its commercial operations at Pilot Project Brewing, a Chicago-based brewery incubator that helps lower the high capital barriers to entry for new brewers. - The founders are deeply involved in community initiatives, partnering with non-profits like The Simple Good, which focuses on arts-based education for youth, and participating in the "Black Is Beautiful" initiative.