PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philly’s first Black-owned brewery recently opened its doors in University City. It’s a dream come true for two homebrewers and an homage to their West African roots.
Two Locals Brewing Company is the new kid on the block in Philly’s robust brewery scene, and it has been a hit for its surrounding community in University City since it opened on Jan. 31.
“It’s been good. It’s been a nice, steady flow of people. The support has been amazing, and we really appreciate it.”
Mengistu Koilor is one of the co-founders of Two Locals alongside his brother Richard.
“We’re used to community environments and eating and drinking and hanging out. So I want this to be sort of like that. A place people love being,” Koilor said.
The brothers’ journey to opening Philly’s first Black-owned brewery began eight years ago.
“We started off as homebrewers back in 2016. And when we realized that we actually wanted to pursue opening up a brewery, we looked around and didn’t see anyone that looked like us,” Koilor said.
Then about two years ago, the search for a physical location started, and Richard Koilor met Cameron, who’s now the bar manager.
“Overall it’s been really fun. It’s been fun seeing something blossom,” said Cameron.
Cameron recommends the classic Nubian Brown, Two Locals’ take on a brown ale. Beyond the craft beers, the menu features cuisine that pays homage to the brothers’ West African roots with recipes from their mother.
Juan, a parton who was enjoying brews and food with friends who are also fellow homebrewers, said it’s about time a place like Two Locals opened.
“It’s always like a white people thing, craft beer. But look at us — we love beer. It’s not a white people thing, and hopefully this is just the beginning.”