Small Business Spotlight: Southern Beer Tours
About the Business
Southern Beer Tours was founded in November of 2013 with one goal: bring a better understanding of the growing craft beer market in ATL in the simplest way possible. The solution: pick up guests + bring them to right to the source - the breweries creating this craft beer movement. Their passion and dedication to craft beer excellence has made them the best way to experience craft breweries in Atlanta, offering three different tours all around town!
Image Courtesy of Southern Beer Tours
From the Owner
Image Courtesy of Southern Beer Tours
What is your name?
Justin Hall, founder + owner of Southern Beer Tours!
Where is your business located?
Atlanta, GA
What inspired you to start the business?
I had always wanted to start my own business. One night (after a few beers) I started exploring "how can I make a living enjoying beer?". We started 5 years ago and the craft beer scene in the state really started to take off. We had maybe 5 breweries in the area when were starting. Now we have 50 and another 50 state wide. I knew it was time to make the jump
What about your business are you most proud of?
That we have made it to 5 years! Most business fail pretty early on. It's easy to get out there and do a job one weekend. Keeping at it and filling our buses or vans week after week is something that makes me smile.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Meeting people from around the country and getting the chance to introduce them to our local beer scene. That and when someone tells me they don't like beer. I love the challenge and believe that the issue is, they just haven't found the right beer.
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
Georgia had some really awkward beer laws early on. It was illegal to purchase beer by the pint. But if you purchased a tour and glass, they could give you 32 oz of samples. Navigating the laws to create a great experience for our guests was a challenge we successfully took on. Thankfully we can now buy by the pint!
What do you think makes your business unique?
Our relationship with the breweries. We are treated as partner and love working with them.
If you had to describe the business in 3 words, what would they be?
Craft Beer Experience
Image Courtesy of Southern Beer Tours
The Fun Stuff
What is your favorite spot to visit in your city?
If we aren't at a brewery, then Brick Store Pub in Decatur
What is your favorite food or restaurant to enjoy in your city?
You can never go wrong with our modern takes on southern food. Revival, South City Kitchen or Empire State South are all great places.
What is your favorite spot in the U.S to travel to and why?
I frequent Asheville, NC the most. It's a quick drive from Atlanta. They also have a great beer scene and everyone is super friendly.
Which of the five senses do you appreciate the most when you travel and why?
Taste. I love food + drinks. When I'm eating out, I'm often already planning the next meal. I grew up a picky eater, and while I still have my quirks, there is just so much flavor to explore.
What would the name of your biography be?
How to Have Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget (just drink the beer)
What is your favorite 90s jam?
Two Princes - Spin Doctors
Have any questions about Southern Beer Tours? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to learn more + book your own tour? Click below!
Image Courtesy of Southern Beer Tours