Slinging beer at this Dayton brewery is about more than just slinging beer.
Tanya Brock, the general manager of Fifth Street Brewpub, said on Monday night it is also about raising money and awareness for local nonprofits.
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Since 2013, the much-beloved co-op at 1600 E 5th St. in the St. Anne's Hill neighborhood has raised $50,000 for hundreds of local nonprofits through its FSB Gives Back program.
"It is a core piece of who we are, not just a program. It is part of our mission," Brock said. "It is something we are super proud of and really hope it continues to grow."
The business was the first of its kind to set up such a program in the area and helped start a trend among locally-owned bars and breweries.
“There are a lot of copycats in Dayton and I think that’s cool,” Brock said.
The FSB’s slogan is “Building a community one beer at a time.” Indications are that its Monday giveback is doing just that.
The program is so popular that all but a few dates are booked through next summer.
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The FSB recently launched a brunch giveback program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Sundays of each month.
Charities receive tips from the pub’s guests, 5 percent of net sales of food and drinks, and $1 from the sale of a pre-selected beer brewed at Fifth Street Brewpub.
Opened in 2012, FSB is Ohio’s first co-op brewery. It is open to the public. Each co-op member-owner has an equal share of the company.
Volunteers from a long list of nonprofits ranging from Antioch Writers' Workshop at University of Dayton to the Rubi Girls drag Troupe to FilmDayton to Paw Patrol Dayton to the Greater Greene Co. Chapter of the American
Legion Riders to Alzheimer's Association have served as guest bartenders.
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They serve drinks, but really, their mission is bigger than that.
“More importantly, they are talking to everyone at the bar or on the patio about the great things they do,” Brock said.
Most nonprofits will raise a few hundred dollars through tips alone.
Brock said the program allows FSB to give back to the community and exposes FSB customers to charities and nonprofit supporters to the pub.
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Supporters can show their love for nonprofits and what they do to make Dayton better, Brock said.
“It is a constant loop,” she said. “It is not just for Suzie’s birthday fund or Joe’s beer drinking fund.”
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