TailGate Brewery, Tennessee’s fastest-growing brewery and pizzeria, is experiencing remarkable double-digit growth this year. In 2024, this Nashville-based independent craft brewery celebrated the opening of its ninth taproom, marking its sixth new taproom in just two years. Additionally, TailGate expanded its distribution portfolio and earned a Top Workplace award.
“Our team is growing and so are we,” says Wesley Keegan, founder and owner of TailGate Brewery. “Tennessee’s craft landscape is evolving and as a leader of that, we’re proud to be not only a great place to work but a great place for the community to gather and enjoy our favorite pairing: pizza and beer.”
Continued Product Innovation and New Packaging:
TailGate Brewery offers a diverse range of beers, from German Reinheitsgebot-inspired lagers to heavily fruited sours and IPAs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The success of their Lager Projekt, which launched in 2022, has resulted in a 200% increase in lagering capacity. Additionally, the introduction of Wizards’ Order, a new rotating IPA series, is available at TailGate’s nine taprooms and retail locations across Tennessee, showcasing their commitment to variety and quality.
The brewery’s non-alcoholic tea brand, Nashville Sweet Tea, is entering its fourth year with two new flavors in 2024: Lemonade and Sunshine Tea. TailGate Brewery is also meeting increasing market demand by launching locally crafted seltzers and expanding production of limited-release seltzers, providing a wide array of craft options for all.
In 2024, TailGate Brewery partnered with Lipman Brothers to maximize growth potential. “We’re getting more and more calls for our beer and this partnership allows us to expand our points of distribution, including the number of draft handle placements around town and increase our presence with national retail partners like Kroger, Walmart, Publix, and more,” Keegan adds.
TailGate Brewery introduced 19.2oz cans in 2024, catering to the single-serve and large-format beer category. This move opens new retail channels, including venues, gas stations, and convenience stores across Tennessee.
Investment in Equipment and Increased Capacity:
To support its growing distribution and expanded taprooms, TailGate Brewery has significantly invested in equipment and production capacity, increasing cellar capacity by over 70%. Investments have also been made in packaging tools for 19.2oz cans, lab equipment, and warehousing tools, including forklifts and new instrumentation. The brewery plans to expand its production facility, with construction expected to complete in mid- to late-2024.
New Taprooms and Recognitions:
Founded in 2014, TailGate Brewery has opened six taprooms in the past two years, each featuring made-from-scratch pizza and craft beer. Following the recent opening of its ninth taproom in Murfreesboro, Tenn., TailGate Brewery has been named a Top Workplace for the second consecutive year.
“We’re honored to again be named a Top Workplace,” said Keegan. “It’s important to us to create a unique culture in the industry, with great benefits and a growing team culture for our more than 200 team members.”
TailGate Brewery is the go-to destination for pizza lovers across Tennessee. It continues to offer an inventive food menu, including the popular Detroit-style pizza and rotating Pizza of the Month, which perfectly complements its diverse beer offerings. The brewery’s newly refreshed pizza menu now includes creative options like a Birria pizza made with mozzarella and beef marinated in birria sauce, topped with fresh cilantro and a slice of lime.
Visit tailgatebeer.com or follow @tailgatebrewery on social media to stay updated on what’s on tap, upcoming events, and more.
