We’re trailblazers disrupting craft beer & We’RE here to stay.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
our why
Deuce And A Quarter was born from the belief that Black and Brown folks deserve a place in spaces where they are typically underrepresented, unheard, unseen, and not celebrated. And craft beer doesn’t need any more blinders.
our vision
To be a community staple where people feel a sense of belonging, a true sense of community, and can discover their own place and journey in craft beer.
OUR MISSION
To shine a light on and grow the unTAPped by curating craft beer experiences that foster community, celebrate diversity, the richness of originality, culture, and craft beer education.
OUR VALUES
01.
BOLDNESS
We’re disrupting the craft beer space by unapologetically showing up in traditionally white spaces. We challenge the craft beer industry to make changes where Black, Brown and people of color are represented. We’re fearless in being unapologetically Black, proud of our culture, and not afraid to use our voices and platform to make change happen in our community. We encourage you to join our community of trailblazers!
02.
EDUCATION
We believe in empowering our community with craft beer knowledge for them to enjoy and for them to encourage others to dive into the industry. Through our educational events, we help provide access to the untapped—from underexposed business owners to college students trying to tap into the industry. We believe that by having access to new opportunities it helps us expand representation and ownership in the craft beer industry.
03.
community
We use our space for positivity and to add value to our community by recognizing people for who they are, acknowledging their background and culture, life experiences and the value they bring to our community. Our space was created for celebration, networking, collaboration, and education. Our focus on diversity and inclusivity helps us bridge cultures allowing us to get involved and take action to improve our community.
04.
engagement
We encourage our customers to expand their palates so as to create memorable experiences. We love craft beer, yet our purpose runs deeper. Our goal is to cultivate social engagement through curated events, and celebrate identity, empowerment, and the space we created with respect to the community we build and are part of. We believe that introductions to craft beer lead to new opportunities for discovery and showing respect for the rich history from which beer comes from.
THE
TEAM
DARREN W. ARMSTRONG
Founder/CEO
My relationship with craft beer grew from untamed curiosity and access. I learned that a pour of craft beer can be anything your palate desires, showing up as any varietal, hoppy or not. Sours. Stouts. Bourbon barrel-aged. Trappist. Smoked kolsch. You name it. Whether in the classroom or taproom, I became a pupil of the soul of craft beer! But there was something missing…
Diversity in style and flavor experienced in my beer travels didn’t translate to who and what I saw on several fronts - patronage, ownership, venue decor, employees, brewers, tap offerings, a sense of belonging, giving back, creating opportunities, and the overall craft beer experience. My grandfather, a civil rights leader and car enthusiast, merged his love for barbery and social justice, giving me a blueprint for business as discussed several times in his mobile office, “Big Deuce”, a 1959 Electra 225. Years later it dawned on me that what I had brewing needed to be shared with the world. Hence, I became committed to launching a brew pub space for the people, where inclusivity and representation allow for a community of the unTapped and enthusiasts to indulge in great craft beer (~minority-owned and women-owned beer), craft beer education, community-building, civic engagement, special events, startup opportunities, and being unapologetic about the Diaspora’s presence and flavor (pun intended) in an industry where minority ownership is less than 1%. Alas, Deuce pulled up, accompanied by a bit of “good trouble” to remix this entire sh*t, and in the perfect place. Atlanta, GA, a metropolis Ride with us as you are Welcome.
Education and Experience:
Meet the Graduates of Founder Gym Fundraising Cohort 16 (Medium article)
UCLA “A Class of Beer” inaugural craft beer course; TA for second course (2016)
JOHN BATEMAN
Chief of Operations
When others were stuck on the cheap brew or liquor, I was exploring beer. Lots of it. My palate being very partial to beverages "off the beaten path" led me to this world of craft beer that I'm now part of. The sourest of the sour beer, I've had it. If it's German, I've definitely had it. Brewing home batches; I've been there too! You could also say that I've sampled and poured beer from all over the world. And whether working as a bartender, chef, server, or running a kitchen, I'm never not around craft beer. Thanks to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Wiltshire, Butchertown Social, etc., I’ve earned my stripes. I'm glad to have helped bring my brother Darren into the fold some 10+ years ago, introducing him to Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. Neither of us never looked back, hence why we are here today. Now at the Deuce we can finally “do” craft beer our way, elevating minority-brewed beer, the curiosity and needs of customers, great local beer, and the importance of building community and investing in the community! I could go on and on about this, but I'd rather have you come by to have a few cold ones with us.
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
TWISTED SISTUHS
CRAFTED FOR ACTION
GUIDANCE WHISKEY
Year of the Return: craft Beer Bash SpelHouse Homecoming 2022
