Mean King Brewing to Open in Chattanooga, Blending Beer and Chess

News Summary

Chattanooga is set to welcome Mean King Brewing, a new brewery that fuses craft beer and chess. Founded by Alan Reis, it promises unique brews and a community focus with plans for a chess club. Opening next week, it aims to be a hub for beer and chess enthusiasts alike, with a selection of innovative beers and a cozy atmosphere.

Exciting New Brewery Opening in Chattanooga: Mean King Brewing Combines Chess and Craft Beer

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as a new brewery, Mean King Brewing, is set to open its doors next week. This unique establishment is not just about beer; it’s also a haven for chess lovers, merging the worlds of craft brews and competitive chess in a cozy setting. Alan Reis, the brain behind this innovative venture, is ready to share his two great passions with the community.

A Bit of Background

Alan Reis brings a rich cultural background to his brewery, with his last name translating to “King” in Portuguese. Growing up in Brazil, the idea of opening a brewery in Chattanooga has been a long-held dream for Reis. His journey into the craft beer world began at Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he gained valuable hands-on experience.

Before diving into this venture, Reis managed a challenging 4 a.m. commute daily to the Volkswagen facility in Chattanooga. But that exhausting schedule wasn’t enough to dim his entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by his experiences at Grumpy Old Men Brewing and his competitive chess background, Reis decided it was time to make his dream a reality.

What to Expect at Mean King Brewing

Mean King Brewing, located at 1414 Jenkins Road near East Brainerd and Heritage Park, will kick off with six beer taps and has ambitious plans to expand to 16 taps in the future. The brewery made its debut with two soft openings in December, both of which attracted lively crowds, establishing it as a potential new local hotspot.

Patrons can look forward to a fantastic selection of brews, including:

Queen’s Sacrifice – a rich New England IPA
King’s Rule – a delightful West Coast IPA
Obscure Knight – a smooth Munich dunkel

Initially, the brewery will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. As demand grows, Reis plans to extend the hours, creating an even more inviting environment for local beer enthusiasts and chess players alike.

Making Chess a Community Affair

For those who share Reis’s love for chess, Mean King Brewing has exciting plans in the works. A chess club is expected to launch later in the spring or summer, making it a prominent space for chess enthusiasts to gather, play, and enjoy a pint.

The Bigger Picture

In a broader context, Mean King Brewing will contribute to the growing craft beer scene in Tennessee, which had 152 craft breweries operating by 2023. The U.S. craft beer landscape is vibrant, boasting 9,736 small and independent breweries with significant contributions to the economy, adding around $77 billion nationally.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges facing the industry. The Brewers Association predicts a tricky environment for breweries in the near future due to increasing tariffs, rising operational costs, and regulatory changes. This means that even with the excitement surrounding Mean King Brewing, adaptability and creativity will be critical for success.

But for now, Chattanooga can look forward to enjoying delicious craft beer in an atmosphere that celebrates both drinking and strategic gameplay. Whether you’re a chess master, an enthusiastic beginner, or simply a beer lover, the opening of Mean King Brewing is sure to add a delightful twist to the local scene!