Homeland Brew Co just reached its first birthday as an Anthem taproom, and owner Mike Balausky sat down with Eric to look back. Sawana was off this week, so Eric ran the mics solo from the bar. Mike, known around town as Mikey B, talks through the ups and downs of a new small business and the neighborhood loyalty that kept the doors open. He credits plugging into the chamber, Rotary, and other local shops for the taproom’s momentum. The bar recently earned Phoenix Magazine’s Best Taproom in the Valley, and a single poker night raised close to thirteen thousand dollars for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The two preview a Fourth of July anniversary weekend stacked with new beer releases, fresh merch, raffles, live music, and a visit from Daisy Mountain Fire. A collaboration beer with Veterans AC gives back to service members. Through it all, Mike keeps returning to one theme: get out, support local, and turn strangers into friends.
Key takeaways
- Homeland Brew Co reached its one-year mark as an Anthem taproom.
- Owner Mikey B credits deep community involvement for the taproom's survival.
- The bar was named Phoenix Magazine's Best Taproom in the Valley.
- A single poker fundraiser raised roughly thirteen thousand dollars for Phoenix Children's Hospital.
- A Fourth of July anniversary weekend featured new beers, merch, raffles, and Daisy Mountain Fire.
- A collaboration beer with Veterans AC supports veterans and first responders.