Philadelphia’s vibrant craft beer scene has reached a historic milestone with the official opening of Two Locals Brewing Company. Founded by brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor, the brewery and taproom, which opened its doors in January 2024, proudly stands as the city’s first Black-owned brewery, signaling a new era of representation and community engagement in the industry.
Located at 3675 Market Street in West Philadelphia’s uCity Square, Two Locals Brewing Co. is the culmination of years of passion and perseverance. The Koilor brothers, both raised in West Philadelphia—Mengistu having immigrated from Liberia at age seven and Richard born and bred in the city—began their brewing journey in 2016 as a backyard hobby. This shared interest quickly evolved into a deep involvement with the local homebrewing community, leading them to establish Two Locals as a nomadic brewery in 2019, brewing on other systems while developing their unique recipes.
Their vision always extended beyond just making great beer; it was about fostering community and creating opportunities. Richard and Mengistu recognized a glaring lack of Black brewers and Black-owned breweries in an industry largely dominated by white ownership, especially in a city where over 40% of the population is Black. Their mission has been clear: to not only bring Philadelphia its first Black-owned brewery but also to raise awareness of craft beer within their community and highlight professional opportunities in the brewing sector.
The journey to a brick-and-mortar location saw the brothers collaborate with local breweries and engage in significant community initiatives. In 2020, they notably joined forces with Love City Brewing and Harris Family Brewery to brew a version of the “Black Is Beautiful” imperial stout, an industry-wide collaboration initiated by Weathered Souls Brewing Co. This project aimed to raise awareness for social justice and racial equity, with Two Locals Brewing donating over $9,000 in proceeds to support Black Lives Matter.
The brothers’ commitment to community is evident in the design and offerings of their new 6,000-square-foot space. The taproom, featuring an industrial-chic aesthetic with warm, earthy tones, local art celebrating their West Philly roots, and 12 taps, serves as an inclusive gathering spot. Beyond their rotating selection of house-brewed craft beers, the brewery partners with Liberty Kitchen to offer food, making it a comprehensive destination for locals and visitors alike. They plan to offer a diverse range of beers, including their popular Prolific Hazy IPA and Nubian Brown Ale, along with lagers, stouts, and fruit-forward ales inspired by their Jamaican and Liberian heritage.
The opening of Two Locals Brewing Company is a significant achievement, not just for Philadelphia but for the broader movement of Black entrepreneurship in the beverage industry. As we previously reported in “Black-Owned Breweries Mark Milestones and Chart Future Growth Across the U.S.”, the craft beer landscape is slowly but surely diversifying. Two Locals stands as a beacon of this progress, demonstrating the resilience and creativity of Black founders. Their success also adds to the growing number of Black-owned beverage brands across the nation that Indulge Black History is proud to document, reflecting a thriving ecosystem of diverse talent and innovation.
Richard Koilor expressed his excitement for the future, stating, “I am excited to get started, brew some beer, and be a legit brewery. We are hoping to get more people in the community into craft beer and brewing.” Two Locals Brewing Company is more than just a place to enjoy a pint; it’s a cultural cornerstone, inviting everyone to experience the rich flavors and vibrant community spirit that define this pioneering establishment.
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