Before our relocation celebration this past March, Chattanooga Brewing has always been a big supporter of the market as well as other community-focused activities around town. Being the oldest brewery in town, their roots run deep and have generated growth for their neighbors like the Lookout Mountain Conservancy, the Humane Educational Society, CFC and us!

We moved in with Chatt Brew and launched the partnership with a block party on March 11th and covid had public events shut down before the following Wednesday. If it wasn’t for Chatt Brew’s support, the Main St Farmers Market would not have been able to continue through these trying times. As our intention for 2020 was to close parts of Chestnut Street with our food & drink focused market event every week, this city-forced shift to the Chatt Brew parking lot has created opportunities to grow upon the gravel.

As I’ve said in previous posts, the market and its vendors does not have the opportunity of dress rehearsals before Wednesday so we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work out the kinks in the moment. And we greatly appreciate Chattanooga Brewing who has been key in keeping the positive market vibes flowing, along with their tap lines.

So show some love to those who have made the market feel right at home. Get to 1804 Chestnut St. before 4pm to pony up to the bar then dine outside and enjoy a braut with a stout or wings with a lager. Maybe you don’t have time to get there early or dillydally post shopping. Order your food and beer (available in growlers or cans) to go, pay, then get your market shopping done and grab that hot food and cold drink to take home and graze on it as you put your farm fresh goodies away.

Before covid, Chatt Brew was donating 10% of sales back to our non profit market but since the devastation to our nation, and specifically the restaurant industry, we have collectively agreed to allow all profits from the brewery to stay with them and their staff until the new year. However, supporting the brewery supports the market in the long run and we currently care more about paying it forward than percentages. So raise a glass to raise spirits and know you’re helping almost three dozen small businesses with one sip. Cheers!