Georgia’s craft beer industry has seen plenty of change over the last decade but even the most forward-thinking observer couldn’t have predicted that virtual tastings and curbside pickup would become staple offerings in 2020.
But that’s what a pandemic will do.
“From the moment we closed our front doors in March, things have been dramatically different for us and for the craft beer industry,” said Beer Girl Growlers and Bottleshop founder Alexia Ryan. “Right off the bat we lost our highest margin revenue stream - serving by the glass - and had to scramble to get our inventory online so that we could still operate our retail sales to stay afloat.”
The coronavirus forced those changes on entrepreneurs like Ryan across the country, who have had to adjust over the last 12 months. Innovations like tastings over Zoom have allowed shops like hers to still interact with customers, while curbside pickup has kept drinkers on the southside well-stocked.
Beer Girl has it first Zoom tasting of 2021 coming up next week on March 31st, this time featuring Atlanta Hard Cider.
“We started doing them last year after going through withdrawal from seeing everyone and it has been really fun to see folks faces,” Ryan said. “It’s nice to be able to focus on a local brand who is looking to open their taproom in the midst of all this chaos. Aside from getting to try a mix of their offerings, you’ll also get a glass and get to ask them questions about their cider.”
The pandemic year was a wild one for the industry, with a lifetime’s worth of market forces at play. Demand for kegs dropped to nearly zero, as restaurants and bars shut down. What customers wanted - and what Beer Girl could order from distributors - shifted as breweries focused on core, fan-favorite beers. Orders by the case increased as consumers stocked up to keep trips outside the home to a minimum.
The wide availability of vaccines will certainly help small businesses across the country, but Ryan said it may take a while before breweries and craft producers can ramp back up to pre-pandemic heights. Curbside pickup is definitely here to stay, reflecting new remote work lifestyles that may extend beyond 2021.
Low-alcohol beers, like session ales, and hard seltzers may be some of the more trendy styles to look out for as more of us get out this summer and into the fall.
“I imagine more of a warming up effect over time,” Ryan said. “Hopefully it's quick enough to give a lot of small businesses who have been struggling to hang on the boost they need to succeed. My great hope is that we feel confident going back to and supporting the heck out of small independent producers and retailers as I worry that the pandemic has set back the efforts of women and minorities getting in to the industry.”
Overtime for Tax Season
Stimulus checks and shifting unemployment benefits helped make the 2020 tax year one of the most complex in memory. Now, filers have some more time to figure it out with the IRS extending the deadline to file out to May 17.
Army Perry, who owns Armistead Financial Services Co in College Park, said the extension provides relief for filers who have been working through a confusing filing season.
“We’ve always been able to extend to Oct. 15 for the complicated returns but the extra month does let many breathe easier and means if you owe you get another month to pay as well,” Perry said. “Some people are better off filing as late as possible to get the third stimulus payment before it is determined they were not eligible for it.”
Tax season is never fun, but this year’s special circumstances can make it even more of a headache. It’s why working with tax pros like Perry, even for seemingly simple returns, can be helpful.
“They have made more mid-stream corrections and changes than ever before this year,” Perry said. “Professionals have a couple of special access tools that a typical filer does not. We still have support from our software and refund processors and occasionally can avail ourselves of special practioner hotlines.”
Need some help with taxes or other financial questions? You can reach Perry at his Princeton Avenue office by calling (404) 767-1040.
Community Classifieds
3D Girls, Inc. is excited to launch The Girls Link Up Youth Pitch Competition! This pitch contest is for girls in Georgia (grades 6 - 12) who want to nourish their budding businesses! This program provides mentorship and guidance as they connect their passions to problem solving solutions. We are rewarding up to $5,000 in prizes and mentorship to support business development, marketing, and branding. Learn more at www.3dgirlsinc.org/pitch-competition. The deadline is April 2, 2021.
Want to be included in a future Southside Guide? Reach out to us by replying to this email or sending a message to chtjames@gmail.com.