Celebrating Women in Craft Beer: An Interview with Stoup Brewing
- YP Media
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 7
March is Women’s History Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at a brewery where women lead the way—both behind the scenes and behind the bar. This month, our Young Professionals of Seattle Happy Hour is landing at Stoup Brewing in Capitol Hill. This community-focused taproom was co-founded by Lara Zahaba, along with her partners Brad Benson and Robyn Schumacher, Washington’s first female Certified Cicerone.
With inclusivity and connection at the heart of everything they do, Stoup has become a neighborhood staple. The beer is excellent, and the vibe is always friendly. We caught up with the Stoup Brewing team to hear more about their journey, their passion for craft beer, and how community will always be at the core of Stoup Brewing.
"We not only think of ourselves as a business, we consider ourselves members of our community and are thrilled to be a part of the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood."
What Inspired You to Open Stoup Brewing?
STOUP BREWING TEAM: All three of us have a deep love for food and drink. We fell in love with craft beer in our early adulthood. Before Brad and Lara met Robyn, we were all looking for our entry into the craft beer world. We wanted to turn our passion into our professional mission. When friends introduced us, we found we had a shared vision about beer and its community. Thus, it made perfect sense for us to combine our goals and open Stoup Brewing together.
The Most Rewarding Part of Running Stoup Brewing
SBT: The most rewarding part of running the brewery has always been the community. We deliberately chose to open in neighborhoods where we could serve a local audience and interact with regulars. This choice was made instead of opening in a commercial district that may rely on tourism. It brings us joy to be in our taproom, witnessing people enjoying one another's company over our beers.
Community Contribution and Identity
SBT: Our ownership includes two women, and one owner, along with many team members, identifies as LGBTQIA+. Community and inclusivity are core to our values. We don’t just think of ourselves as a business; we see ourselves as community members. Being a part of the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood is a privilege for us. We believe in giving back and fostering a sense of community among our employees. We aim to create a space that is welcoming, safe, and comfortable for all. While we may not always agree, kindness and empathy guide our interactions.
What Does Representation in the Food & Beverage Industry Look Like?
SBT: Representation in the food and beverage industry means sharing space with a diverse group, including women and individuals from various backgrounds and genders. We take pride in the fact that women represent a significant percentage of the Stoup Brewing Team. This includes roles in the brewery and cellar, where positions may traditionally skew male. Currently, we have three women actively working in the brewery, including Robyn.
Follow Stoup Brewing
Instagram: @stoupbrewing, @stoupbrewing_capitolhill, & @stoupbrewing_kenmore
Website: www.stoupbrewing.com
Join Us at Stoup Brewing Later This Month
Event Details:
Date: March 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM PDT
Location: Stoup Brewing | Capitol Hill
Join us to celebrate community, good beer, and the empowering women shaping our industry! We're excited to see you there and share in this celebration!
