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A couple of months ago, while scrolling through social, I came across a movement that the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild started to help save the LA Brewing community. This organization represents the more than 90 breweries in Los Angeles county with initiatives, events and legislation geared at helping them thrive & survive.
During the pandemic, like so many other businesses, the brewery industry was suffering. The main crux of their issue was the imbalance in the rules; breweries could not reopen unless they had food to serve BUT they weren't allowed to partner with a 3rd party such as a food truck, for example, that would solve that issue. The rules that were in place for other industries that afforded them to reopen were not applied to the breweries and a separate standard was applied. So, the vast majority of breweries that were left in shut down mode were in dire straights.
We wanted to use our position to jump in and help however we could so we jumped to action. We created a custom campaign, Save The Beer, where we started stocking as many breweries as we could all in single can form then allowed customers to create their own 6-pack. It was a HIT! Our store was flooded and our inventory was all but wiped out the 1st weekend.
Giving consumers a new way to try all of the amazing local beers right here in our 'hood aka LA County, by creating their own 6-packs, was such a fun project to launch. People loved coming in to explore the variety and options, learning more about each brewery and supporting them in a way they have not been able to do during the pandemic.
Now, as of today, breweries are back open due to a special vote & approval by the county supervisors. This is such great news! As a small business, we understand the stress & emotion this pandemic has caused. With the breweries back open, serving food from other hurting industry folks (food trucks, caterers, etc), things are looking up and we are so happy for them all!
Get out, support the local brewing industry by visiting their establishments and swinging into the store to continue the flavor & experience at home.
We aren't slowing down or halting our Save LA Beer promotion any time soon. Rather, we continue to add new breweries and beers each week. Local Supporting Local, that's how we roll!
