DTPHX Spotlight: Crafting Community, One Pint at a Time

There is a brewing revolution taking place in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Megan Greenwood opened the doors to Greenwood Brewing in 2020, but her story didn’t start there. From operating out of her garage to establishing an impressive indoor-outdoor space on the corner of 5th Street and Roosevelt Street, Megan is on a mission to champion women in an industry typically dominated by men. With the slogan “Women-Owned, Women-Inspired, Real Beer for All,” Greenwood Brewing is reshaping the narrative of craft beer while fostering a sense of community and support. 

What inspired you to bring Greenwood Brewing to Downtown Phoenix, and how has this location influenced the growth and success of your brewery? 

I started Greenwood Brewing in my garage, and I was one of one employee, which made for a very clunky process in the beginning. After living in a suburban neighborhood, I was ready to experience the fast-paced environment that Downtown is known for. The newcomers to the area brought liveliness and a sense of community, which has helped put Downtown Phoenix on the map as a desirable place for people of all ages to live and work, and I love being a part of that.  

You’re a strong advocate for women in the beer industry. What changes or progress have you witnessed for women in craft brewing, locally and beyond? 

I’ve always loved beer, but I found that a lot of the beer scene leaned toward a masculine feel, from the atmosphere of a brewery to the cans. There was an opportunity to add a feminine touch to the brewery and even taproom industry, and I took it. I wanted to create a space where women especially feel comfortable enjoying beer in an environment that welcomes them. Beer has no gender; we are beer for everyone, and our space reflects that.  

Greenwood Brewing is known for fostering a sense of community. How have you cultivated that atmosphere, and why is it so important to you? 

Beer is the kind of beverage that encourages conversation, which, in turn, creates a culture and forms a sense of community. The Downtown community is like no other, and we love any opportunity to bring people together to foster positive experiences with great company. I want Downtown to be the go-to place for anyone visiting Arizona so everyone can experience what makes this place so great. We also offer brewery tours and tastings for larger groups, which is a fun and inexpensive experience, perfect for showcasing what a Downtown brewery looks like. 

You recently collaborated with Phoenix Mercury to launch “Her Story” beer. How did this collaboration come about, and what are you most excited about the outcome? 

I’ve been a fan of Phoenix Mercury for a long time, so I knew we wanted to go all in with a collaboration that just makes sense. Being a Downtown Phoenix woman-owned business in a primarily male-dominated industry is a similar story to the WNBA, which has historically been underrepresented compared to men’s basketball. We collaborated on a beer and launched it at the Women’s Empowerment Night during one of their games. It is an honor to share the stories of women supporting women across industries. 

What is something that you want Downtowners to know about Greenwood Brewing? 

We are very committed to giving back to our community. I love providing an affordable option for people to host fundraisers and happy hours, which is why we offer our event space for free to nonprofits. In addition to brewing our own beer on-site, we also prioritize using clean ingredients and sourcing locally as much as possible. We are very particular about clean products and pure ingredients coming into our beers, and it shows. We won a gold medal for our blueberry wheat in the Arizona Craft Beer Awards and a bronze for our Warrior Hazy IPA. We pride ourselves on the quality and consistency we provide and being as sustainable as possible. The details matter, and that is what sets us apart. We aim to make approachable beers so that even non-beer drinkers can find something they like. 

Megan Greenwood understands the importance of representation and inclusivity. By establishing a brewery that especially recognizes women, she aims to make the brewing industry more welcoming for all. 

Greenwood Brewing hosts weekly free events, creating an environment where people can come together, enjoy local beer, and engage in meaningful conversations. Megan believes that beer is more than just a beverage; it is a foundation for social experiences and community-building to thrive. 

One of Greenwood Brewing’s standout offerings is its flagship pale ale, “Her Story.” In collaboration with the Phoenix Mercury, this beer was launched to celebrate the powerful narratives of women in sports and beyond. The cans feature inspiring artwork that resonates with the brewery’s mission. 

Megan Greenwood and her brewery are redefining the craft beer landscape with a mission rooted in charity, community, and empowerment. 

Greenwood Brewing is not only creating exceptional beer but also meaningful change. In a world where women are often underrepresented, Megan’s vision and dedication inspire a brighter future—one pint at a time.