Spaceway Brewing Company

Spaceway Brewing Company, founded by Briana Brake, officially launched in November 2018 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Brake, whose background includes computer science and law, developed her brewing skills at home. She decided to establish her own brewery after finding her homebrewed creations surpassed many commercial offerings and encountered challenges in securing employment within the industry. The company's identity is rooted in Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that envisions future narratives with minorities in prominent roles, a philosophy Spaceway Brewing extends to promote greater minority representation in the craft beer industry. The brewery also aims to foster community through brewing education, innovation, and community ownership. Spaceway Brewing offers various beer styles, including the Pirate Jenny Double IPA, Agent Seven Cream Ale, and Don Dada Cardamom Stout. Briana Brake specifically designed the Don Dada Cardamom Stout to be less sweet than typical stouts by incorporating cardamom. Their Tiny Beekeeper Honey Saison received a bronze medal for Best Belgian-Style Ale and a silver medal for Label Design at the 2025 National Honey Beer Competition. The company has expanded its distribution, delivering its beers to over 25 accounts across Eastern North Carolina, the Triangle area, and Charlotte. Spaceway Brewing's Don Dada can art was recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Craft Beer Labels in 2021. A new taproom is planned for downtown Rocky Mount. As a Black-woman-owned and operated business, Spaceway Brewing is featured in the upcoming documentary film "This Belongs to Us," which highlights the experiences of Black women brewers and is scheduled for release in summer 2026. This commitment to inclusion and representation distinguishes the company within the beverage industry.