Urban to Academic Expansion for Local Brewery.

Michael Garrity, co-founder of Urban Lodge Brewing, discussed the brewery's origins with his brother-in-law Ryan Fagan, their initial home brewing, and the eventual move to a commercial space in Manchester. They faced challenges, including a name change due to legal issues, but found success with their taproom model. The brewery thrived despite COVID-19, selling out weekly. They expanded to Hartford's Pratt Street and plan to open a new location near UConn in Mansfield, leveraging a $100,000 Heart Lift grant. The new space will include a brewery, restaurant, event space, and a coffee shop, aiming to create a community hub.