Horned Owl Brewing

Origin Story

After years of working in the restaurant and beer industries, Joe Uhl decided to open a brewery in Kennesaw, Georgia. The goal was a local tasting room that directly serves the surrounding community with a place to enjoy a pint with family and friends. Instead of pursuing broad distribution, the people and restaurants around it would be the focus. Our family, friends, and neighbors would be the customer.

The passage of Senate Bill 85 in September 2017 provided the ability to support a successful brewery business, and we got started. After several setbacks in finding the right location, we are moving forward with Horned Owl Brewing in Downtown Kennesaw.

Why owls? It is the meaning or translation of our German last name Uhl. And, the different names with “owl” in them provide some great names and ideas for breweries and beers!

Our Team

Joe Uhl

Founder

Man smiling holding large bottle of wine

Joe Uhl has over 46 years of senior management experience in the restaurant industry. This experience includes major roles in multi-unit QSR management and operations in a wide variety of U.S. markets for such brands as El Pollo Loco, Cinnabon, Church's Chicken, Popeye's, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Wendy's, BeefO'Brady's and Brass Tap.
Joe's passion for craft beer started over 15 years ago when his son introduced him to craft beer at The Brick Store in Decatur. From that point on he has enjoyed acquiring a taste for all styles of beer. One of his favorite things about a brewery is how it brings together a local community. There is nothing better than to sit down with family, friends, or someone you just met to share a pint and a story.

Eric Geralds

Head Brewer

Man in blue boots seated in an industrial setting with metal pipes and equipment.

Eric's passion for brewing started at an early age. Launching his career at the first brewpub in Chattanooga, TN, he knew he had found his s calling. He went on to be the founding brewer at Gordon s Atlanta location, spending 19 years refining his craft, and ultimately overseeing 5 other locations bearing the Gordon Biersh name.

Since that time, he has lent his skill to other breweries like New Realm, Brewing Reserve of California, Jekyll, and Iron Hill. Eric is passionate about the science behind brewing and takes pride in his painstaking attention to detail. He believes that mastering this art requires lifelong learning and curiosity. In his spare time, you can find Eric kayaking, running with his dog, and spending time with his kids who are nearly grown.

Person in a Horned Owl Brewing t-shirt and cap standing in a brewery next to brewing equipment, including tanks and hoses.

Nick Blankenship

General Manager/Asst. Brewer

Nick comes from a background in leadership extending from extra curricular activities to managing in previous work places. He has had extensive experience in leading which paved the way to taking over the position of General Manager.

Nick’s passion for craft beer started when he began working at Horned Owl. During his time working in the brewery, he had an opportunity to learn all the skills needed to make a customer's experience exceed their expectations. From cleaning kegs, to slinging beers, and even being able to curate his own beer, he has had the fuel to take Horned Owl to the next level. His passions stem from the opportunity to create a great product and environment where people come to make memories while being able to share special moments with their family and friends.

Smiling person with long dark hair wearing a gray t-shirt, standing against a brick wall background.

Victoria Helmeczy

Event Marketing Manager

Victoria has had a passion for hospitality due to traveling throughout her time in college. After slinging beers part-time, she knew she wanted to stay in the industry and joined the Horned Owl Brewing team full-time. She earned her degree in Communications from the University of Georgia, with a concentration in PR and Marketing. During her time at UGA, she gained experience through multiple internships and serving as a member of multiple extra curricular activities.

Victoria’s love for craft beer grew during her time as a beerslinger at Horned Owl. From learning about different styles to watching the brewing process firsthand, she became excited by the world of beer. Now, as part of the events and marketing team, she continues to expand her passion for the craft while bringing exciting experiences to the Horned Owl community.