In 2024, Caitlin Jewell has journeyed over 27,800 miles across the United States, teaching spent grain breadmaking classes at small American brewery taprooms. With over 3,400 participants across 30+ breweries, Jewell set out to activate taprooms with engaging, hands-on entertainment that draws new customers and connects local communities with the brewing process.
As a former craft brewery owner, Jewell originally taught spent grain breadmaking at her own brewery in Boston for years. Now, she travels coast-to-coast, bringing her artisan breadmaking classes to new audiences. Each event begins with a brewery tour and a warm welcome from the brewery operators, followed by a lively, flour-filled breadmaking session.
Based in California’s Bay Area, Caitlin’s initiative, Grainbakers, has expanded to a national tour, highlighting the unique challenges faced by small breweries in the U.S. Grainbakers works to energize these independent brewery taprooms on quieter nights, boosting revenue while bringing attention to the craft beer community’s challenges. Classes are often sell-outs, and guests help “make the dough rise” by purchasing beer, merchandise, and food, and tipping staff.
A cool class like this could be a difference-maker
“It’s a knife fight in craft beer right now. Breweries that focus on quality, creative programming, and community engagement are not only enduring but are better positioned to thrive,” says Jewell. “Grainbakers was created to bring meaningful, educational entertainment to these beautiful taprooms, drawing in new guests, increasing revenue, and forging lasting connections.”
In 2025, Grainbakers plans to bring its classes to breweries in Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, California, and beyond. Proudly woman-owned and operated, Grainbakers offers artisan spent grain breadmaking classes exclusively at small, independent breweries throughout the U.S., helping to support and celebrate America’s craft brewing community.
If you would like more information about this topic, please get in touch with Caitlin Jewell at 925-699-3639 or [email protected]
Upcoming class dates and tickets
Northern Pine Brewing Oceanside California November 19
Pizza Port Brewing San Marcos California November 20
Burgeon Beer Company Escondido California November 21
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