Funkytown Brewery was created to bring a Black brewer perspective to the beer industry which is less than 1% Black-owned. Three friends who attended school together in Oak Park, Illinois and attended college at Grambling State University (an HBCU) in Louisiana, decided in 2017 to homebrew beer with the goal of going pro! In 2021 that dream was realized, and through quality beer, dope labels, representative messaging, music & jokes, Funkytown has introduced a fresh and creative perspective to the beer industry. In addition, the company’s commitment to service and non-profit support has helped win significant awards such as Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream, Vinepair Brewery of the Year 2023, a feature in Crain’s Chicago 40 under 40 2023 for the founders, garnering significant national and regional media attention. Funkytown beer is available at over 700 locations throughout the city of Chicago including, Binnys, Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, and Pilot Project Brewing. The beer is also available at sports & entertainment venues such as the United Center, Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, Ravinia Festival, Metro and Salt Shed Chicago.