Business Spotlight: Home Brewing Supplies

Years ago, Jeanine York bought a home brewing kit to give to her father on Father's Day. After trying to brew a batch of beer once he gave it back to her so she could try her hand at it. The rest is history. For decades York and her husband have been brewing beer and wine. Over the years their hobby turned into a passion and in 1994 the pair decided to start helping other enthusiasts by opening Home Brewing Supplies in Lilburn. I recently sat down with Jeanine to talk about their business.

Patch: What is the best aspect of owning Home Brewing Supplies?

Jeanine: The customers. Dealing with the public I've made so many friends. I can't imagine working in a corporate office and having the comraderie I have with my customers. I have customers that have been dealing with me for 18 years.

Patch: What is the most challenging aspect to owning a brewing supply store?

Jeanine: The economy right now. People are holding onto their dollars. Well that is only half true. Right now we do see an influx of people wanting to brew their own beer because it is cheaper. You can brew two and a half cases for around $35. But if you don't have extra money in your pocket, home brewing is ultimately a hobby and that is one of the first things to be cut out of people's budgets.

Patch: What makes Home Brewing Supplies unique?

Jeanine: We are the oldest mom and pop brewery supply store in Georgia. Some of the brew stores that have opened up have gotten so commercialized that our customers are like we don't get the personal touch that they get here. We have started so many people making beer and wine that a lot of them have gone on to opening their own brew pubs and that is kind of cool. We are also one of the few supply stores that carry wine juice and the only one in Georgia that I know of to carry Luna Bella juice. The juice comes in cold shipment and people come in droves to pick it up.

Patch: What makes the Lilburn community special?

Jeanine: I just really like Lilburn. It's a nice small area. I love that it is right off 85. I also love the Lilburn police department. I think those guys are great. But Lilburn has a small town feel and I really like that.

Located at 535 D Indian Trail Rd., Home Brewing Supplies is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Home Brewing Supplies also offers free brewing classes at their store that will start back in September. They also will travel off site to speak about brewing to local community groups. For more information visit their website at www.homebrewingsupplies.org