Media Kit

Mission

Honest Friend exists in our own strange way to inspire others to explore their own eccentricities. 

Our art-centric brand, beer, and taproom come to life via seasonal stories told through illustrated mascots and local artists and makers.

It’s more important than ever to foster spaces where people can express themselves and dream of what’s possible. At Honest Friend, our mission is to do just that.

Serving as just one of many creative outlets, our beverages (beer, cocktails, seltzers, and more) complement a brand and taproom full of curious spaces with dedicated areas such as an event space and stage. We’ll have the perfect atmosphere for kicking back and enjoying a beer or three, because we will specialize in lower ABV beers.

A universe of illustrated characters threads each aspect of Honest Friend together with new stories appearing each season across beer labels, social media, and the taproom. Corresponding events and art on display will also echo seasonal themes and stories.

Product and brand

Founders

Honest Friend was founded by Chris Carter, Kayla Lewis, and Will Gutmann. We form the perfect craft brewery trifecta of beer (Chris), art (Kayla), and business (Will). The concept began taking shape in 2020, but all of us had long dreamt of starting our own thing in order to live out our dreams and meet our truest potential.

  • Chris was previously the head brewer at Seventh Son Brewing, where he spent over seven years learning the craft. As our brewmaster, he’ll invent and oversee production of all of our beers.

  • Kayla had both a career as a product designer and researcher and an independent art practice. Being Creative Director at Honest Friend allows her to combine the creative and collaborative aspects she loves about each profession. She also creates a majority of the brand content.

  • Will is a practicing commercial development attorney. His background helping businesses navigate the complex yet necessary requirements to operate at all phases makes him a critical part in ensuring Honest Friend gets off the ground.

Location

Honest Friend plans to open its doors in October 2025. Construction is well-underway and on track!

Since 2021, we’ve been set on opening in Steelton Village in order to be part of a larger effort to introduce more destinations to the surrounding community. Being part of something greater also meant a few more hurdles, and it took some time, but we couldn’t be happier to be at the forefront of Steelton’s restoration and to serve the creative community at The Fort (which is right across the parking lot!)

Additional amenities 

  • Full cocktail bar

  • Patio

  • Event space for public and private gatherings

  • Stage for performances

  • Free parking lot

  • Spacious single-use restrooms

  • Food truck on-site

Press coverage

We’ve been featured in…

  • 614 Now

  • The Columbus Dispatch

  • Columbus Monthly

  • Columbus Business First

We’d love to share more! For further inquiries, please contact tori@honestfriendbrewing.com

Chris on NBC talking about being part of the competitive craft beer industry