Meet Emree Woods: Founder of Rightside Brewing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emree Woods and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emree, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was pregnant back in 2017, I realized there were really limited beverage options for adults that didn’t include alcohol. Nearly 1/3 of Americans don’t drink alcohol and there are a growing number of people looking to cut back. I saw an opportunity to elevate the non-alcoholic category by offering something that tasted great and bringing a level of fun and joy through the marketing and branding. I’m a child of an entrepreneur and studied it through school so always felt called to start my own thing and very excited that it ended up being Rightside.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Rightside Brewing is a craft non-alcoholic beer line that was launched in January 2021. We are the only craft NA from Georgia and one of a handful of exclusively NA craft beers in the country. We focus on taste and a premium experience for those looking for an alcohol alternative.

Rightside is also mission-driven and 5% of profits go to helping people find their brightside. We’ve partnered with the Giving Kitchen’s effort to help Food Service Workers in Recovery.

It’s been a long road to get here! I started by writing a business plan and sourcing equipment which took a year. It was another year to raise money to buy the equipment and get the contract brewer set up. I had two kids in between, so Rightside has been a third baby of sorts. I’ve learned a lot of lessons – probably #1 is we have to remain agile and adjust. You can plan all day, but things don’t go to plan, and you have to be flexible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many wonderful pockets of the city!

We live in West Midtown, so would take them over to Brash & 5 Daughters to watch the trains (our kids favorite morning routine). Would have to take a walk on the beltline and swing by Metro Fresh or Ton Ton Ramen at Ponce City Market. Maybe hop on a scooter or bike and get to Krog Street area. I also love Tanyard Creek park or Chastain – great playground options so my friend and I can catch up while the kids play. There are so many awesome restaurants in Atlanta. A few that hold a special place are The Companion, The Lawrence, Ruby Chow, Das BBQ, JCT Kitchen – the list is endless. I’d try to take them to North Georgia for some hiking, and if it’s warm outside, shoot the hooch and fit in some pool time. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I love this mission and the list is longer than I can type! Ryan Bove – for his time and expertise through his mentorship. My family – for their belief in me and encouragement to take the road less traveled. For my husband – for always being there to bounce ideas off and his constant support and love. For my kids (my muse) – for keeping me humble and their presence as a reminder of what really matters. For Kait Moran – for being my biggest cheerleader and eternal optimist. For Big Kettle – for their belief & confidence in me and their expertise that was a perfect fit to make this dream a reality. For Mallory – her brilliance and energy make it all happen. For Rightside’s Mom Posse – thank you for spreading the word and believing in this idea! For all the friends I haven’t mentioned by name – your support and enthusiasm means the world to me! And lastly – for all our first fans and future customers – your reviews, feedback and stories are really what keep this engine going.

Website: https://rightsidebrewing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightsidebrewing/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightside-brewing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightsidebrewing