Philly’s first social mission brewing aims to be an inviting space for all backgrounds

Although Triple Bottom Brewing may be opening its doors to the public for the first time today, the faces behind the brewery are familiar to the sustainability scene. Over the past three years, the founders have been developing community and partnerships in order to establish an authentic mission.

How are they accomplishing this feat? In a city with the highest poverty rate of any major US city, Triple Bottom Brewing has recruited employees that struggled to find work, outside the common stereotypes you might see in a taproom… let’s say…highly bearded and male.

Playing off the B Corp “triple bottom line” reference of ‘people, planet and profit’, Triple Bottom Brewing playfully substitutes “beer, people and planet.’ Co-founder Tess Hart even spoke about fair chance hiring at our Green Economy event with WURD in March.

Finding a social mission in beer

“One of the best parts is that everyone steps into owning their role here.”

Tess Hart, Co-Founder, Triple Bottom Brewing

As a “fair chance business” with 13 employees, Triple Bottom Brewing partnered with Project HOME, Mural Arts, and the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project to source employees who may struggle to find work for a variety of reasons, including incarceration, homelessness or time away from work.

Founders Hart and husband Bill Popwell have a background in economic and community development, while head brewer Kyle Carney has a history with Weyerbacher and Stone Brewing Company.

According to Hart, her team has embraced the brewery too. “One of the best parts is that everyone steps into owning their role here.”

“You can see how Tess, Bill, and Kyle have poured their heart into this place.“

Colin Fleming

Part of the three-year warmup to opening included meeting neighbors, building relationships and attending community meetings at the 14th Ward RCO before they even signed a lease.

That legwork has brought on additional advocates to the brewery. According to Colin Fleming, who attended the Friends and Family opening last evening, “You can see how Tess, Bill, and Kyle have poured their heart into this place. It’s not pushing gentrification, but bringing the neighborhood into them.”

Green beer: Sustainability at Triple Bottom Brewing

For those democracy-loving visitors, Triple Bottom Brewing also introduces a bit of a beerocracy. For every brew you purchase, you’ll receive a coaster than says Vote on it. Choose from three featured nonprofits, and Triple Bottom will donate a portion of their proceeds to each of the nonprofits, according to the vote tally.

As for keeping sustainability in mind, Triple Bottom Brewing offsets 100% of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits, donates the spent grain of their 10 barrel system (about 20 kegs) to local farms and compost, and treats wastewater before going down the drain.

The simple menu features local artisans, including cider from Hale & True, cheese from Di Bruno Bros. and more.

Even its building is repurposed. Originally owned by the Reading Railroad, 915 Spring Garden now houses offices, artist studios and more.

Grand Opening: Thursday, September 12th

Want to check out the space (and beer)? Triple Bottom Brewing is hosting a grand opening today, Thursday, September 12th from 4-10 PM. Join the festivities today for a free soft pretzel and join the 6 PM toast at 915 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia!

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher