Today we’d like to introduce you to Grayson Miller.
Hi Grayson, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started brewing beer at the age of 20 as a hobby. Over the next decade that hobby grew to be a driving passion that would lead me to open Crazy Gnome Brewery in 2020. While hurdles stood in the way in the form of landlords breaking leases, a direct hit during the March 2020 tornados, and a worldwide pandemic, nothing could stop us from eventually opening August 2020.
From there I was able to learn and grow my craft, leading to the spinoff business, Cyanide Cider, to open in 2024.
I count myself as fortunate to be able to use my passion to create spaces of hospitality and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! The Crazy Gnome LLC was formed in 2017 and it wouldn’t be until later on in 2020 when we served our first beer to a customer.
Along the way we struggled with finding a space to operate, losing out on our first space due to a landlord’s abandoning our first lease. While that set us back about a year and a half, we were able to find a new space with a wonderful supportive landlord in East Nashville. From there, typical red tape with the city kept the buildout moving slow, though in the end it wouldn’t have mattered.
On March 3, 2020 we were directly hit by a tornado that swept through Nashville. We lost 80% of our brewing equipment, including our first ever beer that was in process of fermentation.
Not to be discouraged, we pushed forward with repairs as the world around us shut down for Covid. While everyone else searched for shelter and safety, we were hard at work rebuilding our space in a socially distanced worksite and got ready for a summer opening.
That summer opening would be further delayed as the city tightened Covid restrictions following increased cases in July. Those restrictions would be lifted gently, allowing us to FINALLY open in August to the public, albeit to-go only.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Crazy Gnome Brewery?
Crazy Gnome Brewery operates under the guiding principle that beer is for everyone. We take that core belief and let it guide us in every branch of our business.
When we brew beer, we brew approachable styles that teach consumers how different beers carry different profiles, but none so exaggerated that they are off putting to newcomers.
Our taprooms are safe spaces where everyone of every walk of life is welcome. No matter your background, we celebrate your diversity.
Our bartenders are friendly and inviting, you won’t find snobbery within our walls. Don’t know how to pronounce that German or Belgian beer style? Give it a go with no fear of judgement!
We exist within our community and wish only to be a positive pillar of Nashville’s continued growth.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Community engagement is important to us, historically we have been fortunate to collaborate with musicians either by hosting shows or brewing collab beers to promote an artist or album. We have hosted community groups from book clubs to counseling sessions to dancing lessons. We have hosted artists and provided our space as a studio with which to show off their work.
Outside of our walls we have joined events ranging from fairs to hot sauce festivals to charity fundraisers.
Really, if anyone out there has a concept or idea that could use Crazy Gnome’s touch, all they need to do is reach out via the form on our website or message us on Instagram, or drop by either taproom in person!
Pricing:
- Beverages typically hover around $7 for a full pour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crazygnomebrewery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazygnomebrewery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazygnomebrewery
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9trcLrch2HccqcGgqQGtRQ
