Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Phillips.
Hi Rob, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Rob Phillips; I am one of the owners and co-founders of the RoHa Brewing Project (I am the Ro in RoHa!). I was an avid homebrewer in the early 2000s and fell in love with Utah’s ever-evolving craft beer scene. I began seeking out friends in the Craft Beer industry and finding ways to get involved. Eventually, I landed a volunteer position at a local brewery with a long-standing reputation. So, on my day off from being an engineer, I would scrub floors, move grain around, clean stuff, and generally be involved in the commercial beer scene. Soon, I started making plans, buying a few miscellaneous tanks and modifying them to become an actual brewery. I was working with the Head Brewer as a consultant – and eventually, we decided to partner up, and RoHa was formed. We opened our doors in 2017 to provide a unique, memorable, and positive experience whenever someone interacts with our brand. We fill that mission today with a lively taproom and patio; draft lines are always filled with unique beer and hard seltzers. We host live music weekly and have local drink options of all sorts (ciders, wine, cocktails, beer). We also maintain distribution across Utah so you can find our beer in your local grocery, convenience, or liquor stores!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A smooth road with a start-up – no, never! Of course, there have been bumps in the road, industry changes, pandemics, and cost restructuring, and generally, we are trying to find our way in the developing craft beer scene in Salt Lake City and Utah. Initially, we envisioned growing distribution and finding a way to get beer to every outlet in Utah. This was fun initially, but it did not generate the profits needed to be sustainable, especially at our size. We were competing against much bigger breweries who could achieve much better costs on materials, while we felt forced to sell at the same price point. We have pivoted and focused on our taproom and worked to make it a more comfortable, lively space for everyone to enjoy. We maintain our distribution channels, which is a great way to introduce people to our beer for the first time – but the taproom is where the magic happens!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a local brewery in the Ballpark Community in Salt Lake City. We offer a friendly spot on the big city’s outskirts to meet with friends and socialize. We have a full bar license, so we offer all types of local spirits, local wine, local ciders, and our great beers and hard seltzers. We are well known for a few of our products. Shambo Juicy IPA is this big bright orange can that pops, and when you open the can, the liquid inside does the same. People love this liquid, and it’s available at all state liquor stores and your friendly local bars and restaurants. We also feature a nice Hazy IPA called High on the Hop Lazy IPA, available at most grocery and convenience stores. This has a huge hop aroma and finishes without the bitterness. Smooth. If you are looking for a new spot to become your regular bar for gathering, look no further than RoHa Brewing Project Taproom, on Kensington Ave (1500 S) between State and Main Street. (30 E Kensington Ave).
How do you define success?
Success is defined in two significant ways. First is an excellent work-life balance and a happy family. Secondly, some sense of satisfaction should come from financial success – this is always a challenge when running a small business, but it is much sweeter when achieved.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RoHaBrewing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rohabrewing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoHaBrewingProject
