Short Summary
Montclair Brewery is more than just a brewery. We’re a community-driven, family-owned microbrewery and tasting room founded by the husband-and-wife duo, Leo and Denise Sawadogo. With roots deeply grounded in African and Caribbean heritage, we create uniquely crafted beers that tell our story and honor our diverse backgrounds. Since opening our doors in 2018, we have been committed to providing exceptional brews and creating an inclusive space where beer lovers and those new to craft beer are all welcomed.
With the success of our first location in Montclair, NJ, we are excited to expand our presence by opening a second location in East Orange, NJ. This new space will allow us to significantly increase production, support more local jobs, and provide a new community space for beer enthusiasts and others to gather and connect. We need your support to make this vision a reality!
What We Need & What You Get
We are raising at least $40,000 to contribute towards the construction and startup costs of our second location. This funding will specifically help with:
*Production Area Construction Deposit: To allow the official start of Phase I, including plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
*Essential Working Capital: To help us cover operating costs during this transition phase, including utility bills and loan payments.
While our expansion efforts are already in motion, the funds raised will help expedite the construction timeline and position us for a successful grand opening.
We are grateful for every contribution and encouragement that comes our way. As a way to thank you we are offering some unique perks so that you will become a part of our journey. Contributors can look forward to:
*Access to Exclusive Beer Releases: Be among the first to taste our special limited-edition beers.
*Wall of Fame Recognition: Have your name featured on our “Community Wall of Fame” in the new taproom.
*Name a Beer: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to name one of our new brews and leave your mark on Montclair Brewery at East Orange history.
Name a tank: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to name one of our new tanks and leave your mark on Montclair Brewery at East Orange forever!
No matter what amount you give, every contribution counts and brings us closer to opening our doors in East Orange!
The Impact
With less than 1% of breweries in the U.S. being Black-owned, Montclair Brewery is a trailblazer in the craft beer industry. Our success is more than just business growth—it’s a statement and an inspiration to future generations of underrepresented entrepreneurs.
This expansion is about more than doubling our brewing capacity—it’s about building a future where our beer is accessible to more communities, and where craft beer culture reflects the diversity of its consumers. Your support will:
- Enable us to create local job opportunities.
- Bring our distinct African- and Caribbean-inspired brews to a broader audience.
- Enhance our ability to give back through charity events and community programming.
We have weathered challenging times, grown during a pandemic, and now, with your help, we can take this next step to elevate Montclair Brewery and contribute to the vibrant community of East Orange.
Risks & Challenges
Building out our second location is a complex process that involves significant upfront costs, construction hurdles, and navigating local regulations. One of our current challenges is managing the financial strain of maintaining our existing location while investing in the new one. The delay in government assistance from the Employee Retention Credit has also impacted our cash flow, making it harder to meet our construction and operational milestones.
If we don’t reach our entire funding goal, it may delay the opening of our new facility. However, we are committed to using any amount raised efficiently and strategically to continue pushing forward with the project, while exploring alternative financing options.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can’t contribute financially, you can still support our campaign in other ways:
- Spread the Word: Share our campaign link on social media and with friends who love craft beer or believe in supporting diverse businesses.
- Visit Us: If you’re in the NJ area, stop by our Montclair taproom to enjoy a pint and learn more about our expansion plans.
- Partner with Us: If you’re a business owner or community organizer, consider partnering or collaborating to help us amplify our reach and impact.
Your support, whether financial or through spreading the word, brings us closer to achieving our goal. Together, let’s build a stronger Montclair Brewery at East Orange.
