S1, E87: Hopkins Brewing - Chad Hopkins
The story of Hopkins Brewing is a testament to the power of local passion and perseverance in Utah's growing craft beer scene. Founded by Chad Hopkins, this Sugar House brewery emerged from decades of homebrewing experience and a deep-rooted connection to the neighborhood where Chad grew up.
Chad's journey into the food and beverage industry began at Einstein's Bagels on 15th and 15th back in 1998. While he explored various career paths, including a brief stint in the military reserves, he always found himself drawn back to the energy and creativity of restaurants. Throughout his twenties and thirties, Chad worked for various corporate restaurants, helping to open chains like Noodles & Company and Pei Wei across Salt Lake City. However, the corporate environment never quite satisfied his entrepreneurial spirit. "The corporate thing is just boring to me, and there's no real vision there," Chad explains. "They're not really doing anything to make the world better; they're just trying to make money."
Beer became Chad's passion in high school when he discovered craft brewing. His palate-expanding moment came when a friend introduced him to Red Hook ESB, which "blew his mind" and set him on a path toward brewing his own creations. Frustrated by the limited beer options in Utah, Chad converted his basement into a homebrew palace, complete with epoxy floors, stainless steel sinks, and multiple brewing systems. The very kegerator that once served his homebrews in his basement now stands proudly in Hopkins Brewing.
The opportunity to open Hopkins Brewing came unexpectedly. Chad and his friends were initially looking at locations on State Street when he learned that the space in Sugar House – the very neighborhood where he grew up skateboarding and hanging out – was available. "Sugar House is like that's my dream is to have a brew pub in Sugar House, but I didn't think that was ever going to happen," Chad recalls. With the support of friends and the brewing community, he took the leap.
The opening wasn't without challenges. With just six weeks to secure a bar license, Chad and his team worked tirelessly to transform the space. He brewed during the day and cooked at night, developing the menu while his friend helped hire the bar staff. Today, Hopkins Brewing is celebrated not just for its exceptional beer but for its dedication to local ingredients and community. From the malt sourced from farms near Logan to the grass-fed beef raised in Utah, every aspect of Hopkins embodies a commitment to sustainability and local producers.
What sets Hopkins apart is Chad's management philosophy. Unlike the rigid corporate environments he experienced, Chad gives his team creative freedom. When his kitchen staff found certain dishes too time-consuming to prepare, he encouraged them to develop alternatives. Similarly, his brewers have the autonomy to experiment with new recipes and techniques. "If you're not innovating, you're dying," Chad observes.
Looking ahead, Chad plans to add a canning line to expand creative possibilities while maintaining Hopkins' local focus. Despite offers to open additional locations, he remains committed to keeping Hopkins authentic and personal. "What's really important to something like this is owner presence," he explains. "I got to be here. I mean, I don't have to be, but I should be here. I like being here."
The success of Hopkins Brewing reflects the changing landscape of Sugar House and Salt Lake City's growing appreciation for locally-owned businesses and craft beer. Chad's story demonstrates that pursuing passion over profit can create something truly special – a community gathering place where employees want to hang out even on their days off.
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