Media Kit

Mission

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

Our art-centric brand, beer, and taproom come to life via seasonal stories told through illustrated mascots and the work of 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.

Product and brand

Beer can and poster concepts by Kayla Lewis

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 specialize in lower ABV beers.

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

Founders

Photo by Dylan Menges

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 ventures.

  • Chris was previously 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 parallel careers as a product designer/researcher and an artist. 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 Honest Friend’s success.

Photo by Nick Fancher

Location

Concept of Honest Friend’s exterior created by Shyft Collective and Kayla Lewis

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

Concept of Honest Friend’s interior created by Shyft Collective

Press coverage

We’ve been featured in…

  • 614 Now

  • The Columbus Dispatch

  • Columbus Monthly

  • Columbus Business First

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

We’d love to share more!

For further inquiries please contact tori@honestfriendbrewing.com