The idea of “community” comes up a lot in beer. We use “community” to describe the collection of homebrewers, enthusiasts, brewery employees, journalists, and more that surround the industry. Many owners position their taprooms as “community spaces.” This aspect of bringing people together is one of my favorite parts of beer, but once we’re all gathered, what else can we do besides enjoy a drink together? Is there a way for us to make an impact or drive change?
To explore these questions, I’m joined by Dan Reingold, marketing director at Creature Comforts Brewing, a business that has become a cornerstone of its local community in Athens, Georgia. Over the past decade, the company has grown to be much more than a place to enjoy a pint—it's a hub for community engagement and social good. As one of Creature’s oldest employees, Dan is able to give us a glimpse of those early days and also show us what the brewery has been up to lately.
In our conversation, Dan shares the excitement of celebrating Creature Comforts’ 10th anniversary with the declaration of “Creature Comforts Day.” You’ll hear about the brewery’s impactful “Get Comfortable” program, which has led to the business receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award. Dan also discusses the brewery’s collaborative initiatives with local institutions like the University of Georgia, and how important it is for them to use business to address community needs.