Twelve percent growth in a flat market
While many independent brewers are facing headwinds in 2025, TailGate Brewery is doing the opposite. The Nashville-based craft brewery reports 12% year-over-year retail growth at the halfway mark of the year — according to a recent press release — a standout success in a stagnating market. The secret? A diversified beverage lineup, hyperlocal retail strategy, and a laser focus on taproom-driven expansion. According to that same press release:
“We know that success starts here in Tennessee, in our home market,” says Wesley Keegan, founder and owner of TailGate Brewery. “Our focus is on being a great partner to the retail partners who carry our products, and that includes delivering a great experience in our taprooms, and curating a diverse beverage menu that appeals to everyone.”
Built for Tennessee, not the nation
Unlike breweries chasing national shelf space, TailGate is growing by staying close to home. Its beers are sold only in Tennessee. That local-first strategy is paying off with faster placement, stronger brand loyalty, and increased demand for its core and specialty products. TailGate’s partnership with Lipman Brothers helped double its grocery presence and secure draft lines at high-profile venues in Nashville, including Broadway bars and Bridgestone Arena.
Flagship beers are booming
TailGate Orange, the brewery’s zesty American Wheat Ale, saw an almost 30% sales jump this year at off-premise accounts. It also brought home a Gold Medal at the 2025 U.S. Beer Open Championship. TENN Golden Lager, a crisp and easy-drinking staple, posted a 33% gain in market velocity. Both beers are now available in 19.2-oz cans, expanding reach into gas stations, convenience stores, and music venues.
Innovation never stops
TailGate’s Wizard’s Order rotating IPA series, launched in 2024, continues to draw attention with seasonal drops. Meanwhile, TailGate Cider grew 20% at retail. Its non-alcoholic brand, Nashville Sweet Tea Co., saw 212% growth in 2025 after launching into chain retailers. TailGate also became the first Nashville-based brewery to launch a THC sparkling water lineup in February, adding another layer to its already broad portfolio.
Brewing more than beer
In early 2025, TailGate doubled its production capacity at its Nashville headquarters. The expansion includes a new 30-bbl brewhouse, added fermentation space, and a second centrifuge to increase efficiency and clarity. A new 100-bbl horizontal lagering tank supports TailGate’s Lager Projekt, which continues to turn out German-style biers that are a hit at taprooms.
Taprooms drive the brand
TailGate now operates nine taprooms across Tennessee, with the latest opening in Murfreesboro. Each location is a community hub, known as much for its beer as its scratch-made Detroit-style pizza. Rotating pies like Cacio e Pepe or Peach & Prosciutto draw as many fans as the beer menu. Weekly small-batch beer releases — 250 to 300 a year — keep things fresh. Taproom guests can now take behind-the-scenes tours at the expanded Nashville HQ.
A people-first culture
TailGate employs nearly 300 people and has been named a Top Workplace by The Tennessean two years running. The company offers 100% employer-paid healthcare and a full suite of benefits. Employees drive the brand’s momentum and fuel the taproom experience. This employee-first mentality has helped the brewery scale thoughtfully without compromising its values or product quality.
TailGate’s formula: Grow locally, think broadly
TailGate Brewery is succeeding by sticking to what works — great beer, creative offerings, exceptional food, and a team-first culture. In an era where many craft breweries are contracting, TailGate is charging ahead. And it’s doing it the only way it knows how: local-first, independent, and proudly Tennessean.
