Mitchell Russell and Chico Dupas, Ebony and Ivory Brewing Their new beer releases now routinely draw the diverse crowds they targeted, and they have plans for that to continue. They also began to reach out to minority friends and introduce them to their beer. Mitchell described them as having simpler taste profiles. They’ve set out to make “approachable” beers that might bring in an audience without much exposure to craft beer. The two determined to bring races together to enjoy great beers and the name was born as a reference both to the partners and to what they want to accomplish. Mitchell builds trips around breweries he wants to visit and in doing so began to realize that Knoxville’s craft beer scene was missing the ethnic and racial diversity he encountered in other cities. Demand increased and they realized they might be on to something. They worked together on the project and began to share their homebrew with friends. Mitchell jokes that it was to save money on their beer budget. Mitchell began brewing at home while he was in college and as the two began to enjoy the local craft beer scene together, Chico encouraged Mitchell to buy some tanks and start brewing more. Mitchell is from New Market, Tennessee and after his graduation from Carson Newman, the two became friends. Originally from Baton Rouge, Chico obtained an undergraduate and MS degree from Louisiana State University in Athletic Training, eventually becoming the director of the program at Carson Newman. The two have known each other for fifteen years, intersecting first at Carson Newman College where Chico was an instructor in Athletic Training and Mitchell was a student. They hope to have the business open and operating by late this year or early next.
Owners Chico Dupas and Mitchell Russell are perfecting recipes and making big plans and construction will soon get underway at the location with Sanders Pace Architects providing the design. A brewery and tap room is planned for 2300 North Central Street.