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
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
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.
OUR TEAM
Joe Uhl
FOUNDERJoe 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 BREWEREric'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.