Annual Tour for Food Banks
For the past month, I’ve been on the road traveling to nine Southern cities for an event series I created called Bow Tied Brews. If you remember the HabiRocks events I did back in 2013, this was something in the same spirit—but on a whole new level. While those early events raised money for local Habitat for Humanity chapters, this time around, I focused on a cause that’s just as essential: local Food Banks, most of which are affiliated with Feeding America.
Every brewery I partnered with donated a portion of proceeds to their local food bank. It was an idea years in the making. In 2018, I partnered with Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery in Richmond for a test run. They brewed a small batch called the Seersucker Shandy, and proceeds went directly to Feed More, Richmond’s local food bank. After that, I knew I wanted to take this further—because people gotta eat.
So I built a plan, reached out to food banks in each city, then started working my way through brewery partnerships. It wasn’t easy, but by the time summer rolled around, everything was in place. We promoted throughout the spring, and in July, Franklin and I hit the road.
Stop #1: Charlottesville, VA
We kicked off at Champion Brewing Company to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. It happened to be run club night, so the turnout was fantastic. Beer, good vibes, and community support all collided in the best way.
Stop #2: Charlotte, NC
After a pit stop at Love’s (a recurring theme of this tour), I checked into the Aloft at the EpiCentre, explored downtown, and hosted our next event at Catawba Brewing Company for Second Harvest of the Metrolina. Afterward, I caught live music and rooftop views—Charlotte never disappoints.
Stop #3: Columbia, SC
We found Conquest Brewing Company, a smaller spot that brought big heart. The event benefited Harvest Hope Food Bank, and I even reunited with some friends I’d met earlier in the year. Franklin took a dip in the Congaree River, and we crossed the SC State Capitol off our list.
Stop #4: Atlanta, GA
Atlanta always feels like home. I spent a couple of days connecting with old friends and partnered with Atlanta Brewing Company to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank. From brewery vibes to Beltline strolls, this stop was equal parts fun and fulfilling.
Stop #5: Jacksonville, FL
After a long drive, Franklin and I found a great dog park downtown before heading to Intuition Ale Works, located near all of JAX’s stadiums. We set up on their rooftop and raised funds for Feeding Northeast Florida, surrounded by city views and good energy.
Stop #6: Savannah, GA
Two nights in Savannah? Yes, please. Between riverfront strolls (with beverage in hand), a morning visit to Tybee Island, and an amazing event at Southbound Brewing Company for Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, this was easily one of my favorite stops. Franklin even became the unofficial mascot of the evening.
Stop #7: Charleston, SC
I partnered with Palmetto Brewing Company to benefit Lowcountry Food Bank. Their whole team showed up strong. Afterward, I hit King Street and soaked up that classic Charleston charm. Always a favorite.
Stop #8: Raleigh, NC
I stayed just outside of town with some friends—Franklin celebrated by rolling in a septic tank (not a highlight). After cleaning him off, we made it to Crank Arm Brewing for our event supporting the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. We dodged a rainstorm, caught up with familiar faces, and ended the night with full hearts.
Stop #9: Richmond, VA
The tour finale took us back to where it all started: Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery. That Seersucker Shandy tasted even better after 1,800+ miles on the road. The crowd was amazing, the energy unmatched, and I was so grateful to see so many familiar faces come out in support.
What's Next?
This tour was born from the belief that good beer can do good things—and that when we come together as a community, we can make a real difference. I’m incredibly grateful to every brewery, every food bank, and every person who came out to support the cause.
Next year? We’re doing it bigger. More cities. More breweries. More impact.
You just wait.