Meet Jen Price: Beer Educator, Author & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jen, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by every day people doing extraordinary things. It’s so reassuring to see when people who may not be rich, or who may not be in positions of power still find a way to pursue and achieve their goals.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Atlanta Beer Boutique is a craft beer retail shop and tasting room in planning that will provide 100 of the best local craft beers and hard to find brands. From novice to know-it-all (and everyone in between), we’re committed to becoming the premiere destination for the full spectrum of local beer culture. Beer is the most popular adult beverage on the planet, and the mission of The Atlanta Beer Boutique is to ensure that everyone feels welcome to enjoy it! As one of the very few women of color in Atlanta’s craft beer community, I have made it my personal mission to increase the footprint of women and people of color in this industry. My focus on education through experiential learning has been a hallmark of The Atlanta Beer Boutique since its inception. I’ve always tried to carve out a welcoming space to give a little breathing room to those of us who don’t fit the bill of your typical craft beer explorer. Since launching in 2011, I have operated as a pop up craft beer experience company, providing classes, workshops, and tastings for clients and as private events. I have worked over the past four years to firm up my business plan, I wrote a book, The Chick’s Guide To Beer, I’ve achieved the first level of certification through the Cicerone program, and I have worked to learn as much about the industry as possible. In the past two years, I moved forward with my dream of opening a brick and mortar space that would combine a boutique shopping experience for customers with a tasting cafe where guests could sit down to enjoy a craft beer, participate in a tasting or a class, and to experience craft beer in an unconventional way. I found a location in 2019, signed a lease and began building out my space. In April of 2020, I was scheduled to go before the City of Atlanta license and review board to be approved for my liquor license and open up my business in May. Due to COVID-19 and the closing of Atlanta City Hall, I was unable to obtain a liquor license in April as scheduled. My location, with lack of outdoor seating, was no longer COVID friendly and the indoor capacity would have been significantly reduced per social distancing requirements, making it no longer financially feasible. At the same time, the SBA suspended my loan’s working capital, leaving me without access to the necessary resources to sustain my business and forcing me to terminate my lease. I was essentially forced to close my business before ever having an opportunity to open to the public. However, all is not lost! My bank has allowed me to keep my equipment, furniture and fixtures as I work to secure nontraditional funding, search for a new, affordable, and more suitable location, and still open up The Atlanta Beer Boutique.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My itinerary would of course involve visiting some of my favorite breweries in metro Atlanta, starting with Reformation Brewing’s newest taproom in Smyrna! It’s situated perfectly along the Chattahoochee River, so the views are amazing. There’s a yummy BBQ spot – Grand Champion – nearby where we could grab a bite before grabbing a few beers and strolling along the river. Next, we could hit up the Lee + White District – a food and beverage paradise! There are so many options! We could either grab beers at Monday Night Brewing Garage or Best End Brewing; or indulge in a whiskey tasting at ASW Distillery. And if you wanna go a bit more ‘healthy’ then maybe Golda Kombucha is a-go! Lean Draft House is my go-to eatery in this area. I love their tacos! I love public art and murals and Atlanta has so many good art pieces and sights to see! We’d definitely embark upon a self guided walking tour of the Cabbagetown neighborhood. There’s a beautifully painted wall full of murals that borders the CSX railroad yard. We’d have to see the famous Krog Street Graffiti tunnel and then continue along the Beltline to Krog Street Market – a fun food hall. My favorite place to eat here is Gu’s – their dumplings and noodles are delicious! Hop City’s deep beer list (on tap and in package) is most definitely the best place to grab a cold one! 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 want to dedicate my shoutout to the amazing craft beer community! We’re a tight group of folks who support each other and are committed to helping each other succeed. The local craft beer community in Atlanta has been especially instrumental in my story.

Website: https://www.atlantabeerboutique.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlbeerboutique/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-sSQclKi-9pXdR1Z9227vg

Image Credits
Kee Images all photos