Vine Street Brewing Co., Years in the Making, Is about More Than Serving Suds

The much-anticipated Vine Street Brewing Co. opened its doors in June 2023, becoming the first Black-owned brewery in the state of Missouri, but co-owners Kemet Coleman, Elliott Ivory and Woodie Bonds Jr. have dedicated their efforts to realizing this dream since 2020. 

Coleman, the brewery’s director of marketing and experiences, was first exposed to the world of craft brewing while working for Boulevard Brewing over a decade ago and has since been on a mission to create his own.  

“In 2013, I worked at Boulevard Brewing Company as a tour guide,” Coleman says. ”I didn’t know anything about craft beer, but Boulevard seemed like a cool company to work for. I really fell in love with the craft beer industry. As I started to learn about new styles, ideas started to go off in my head.”

Celebrating the Cultural Heritage of KC’s Historic Jazz District  

Embracing the rich cultural heritage of Kansas City’s historic Jazz District, Vine Street Brewing Co. has found its home in a 150-year-old former building at 2010 Vine St., which had been abandoned for 35 years. When the owners first encountered the property, the windows were missing, and the roof had completely deteriorated. 

“The location spoke to us right away – it didn’t take a whole lot of thought,” Coleman says. “We wanted to choose a place that was at the nexus of the African American community, downtown Kansas City and tourism,” Coleman says. “18th and Vine was a natural fit and was kind of a no-brainer for us.” 

The 4,800-square-foot space at 2010 Vine St. houses a two-story taproom, brewhouse and outdoor beer garden in the south end of the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

Alongside the brewery’s flagship beer, the Jazzman Black Lager, visitors can also expect to see beers on tap like the Maris Pale Ale, Snakes in the Wheat, Life of the Party fruited sour, Heart String West Coast IPA collaboration with Cinder Block and more. 

Beyond the brewery, select beers from Vine Street are available on draft across Kansas City locations at more than 25 locations including The Ship, Charlie Hooper’s, the new Kansas City International Airport and more. 

Besides the beer, the renovated space will house the Warren Harvey Art Gallery and The Prospect KC, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing healthier food to residents in east side neighborhoods. 

Vine Street also plans to use the downstairs and outdoor space to host local artists and private events. Live music and listening parties will kick off in July. 

“We have embedded music into the DNA of the brand from the beer names to the logos. Everything about the brand is a mixture of jazz, hip-hop and beer,” Coleman says. “Vine Street isn’t just going to be a brewery, but we’re going to be a thriving music venue as well.” 

Looking for help to turn your passion into profit and start a food business in Kansas City?  Check out our Starting a Business Guide, which can help you evaluate your idea, plan your business, register and license and more.

Photos courtesy of Vine Street Brewing Co.