Hippin Hops Brewpub to Relaunch in 2026 Under New Ownership
Story by:
Editorial Dept.
Hippin Hops Brewpub and Oyster Bar, the first Black-owned brewery in Georgia, will reopen its doors in January 2026 under new ownership of LaMont Zeno Russell. The updated venue will serve local craft beers and an enlarged oyster menu. The relaunch is about honoring the brewery’s past while building a bright new home for the community and emerging brewing talent.
According to a press release from Hippin Hops, the relaunch event will be on January 3, 2026 at 1308 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316.
Drawing on Russell’s nearly 20 years of experience in business and community engagement, the relaunch marks a bold new chapter that honors the brand’s legacy while focusing on an elevated guest experience, southeastern craft beer culture and expanding its already robust oyster menu.
In a move to amplify the next generation of brewers, Hippin Hops Brewpub & Oyster Bar will transition away from onsite brewing, sunsetting its fermenters, and dedicate its tap lines to carefully curated craft beers and highlighting local brewers. This shift positions Hippin Hops as a critical platform for emerging talent, connecting Atlanta’s diverse brewing community with a vibrant neighborhood audience.
Complementing this new beverage program is a significantly enhanced culinary offering. The pub will debut a revitalized oyster menu featuring over 10 styles of preparation, from topless and raw, to their fan-favorite baked varieties. The menu will continue to showcase trendy, modern Southern-inspired bar food made in-house.
“East Atlanta is already historic so having Hippin Hops be Georgia’s first black-owned brewery has always fit in perfectly,” said new owner LaMont Zeno Russell. “I am going to reengage with our neighbors and the surrounding community to make sure we are inclusive of all cultures while still staying true to the culture of the city of Atlanta.”
The relaunch event in January 2026 will celebrate this renewed vision for Hippin Hops as a cultural hub built for good vibes and flavor.
Event Date: January 3 2026 Location: 1308 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
More on LaMont Zeno Russell:
LaMont Zeno Russell is a proud Chicago native, Howard University alumnus, and a dynamic serial entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience across business, events, and community engagement. As the new owner and driving force behind the highly anticipated relaunch of Hippin Hops Brewpub & Oyster Bar in East Atlanta Village, Russell is leveraging his extensive background to transform Georgia’s first Black-owned brewery flagship location into a renewed cultural and culinary destination.
More on Hippin Hops Brewpub & Oyster Bar
Hippin Hops Brewpub & Oyster Bar is celebrated as Georgia’s first Black-owned brick-and-mortar brewery and taproom, with its original location situated in the East Atlanta Village (EAV). Originally founded in May 2021, the establishment holds a unique position, as Black-owned breweries represent only a small fraction of all breweries in the United States. Complementing the drinks is a seafood-focused menu, often inspired by Louisiana cuisine, with specialties including raw and baked east coast oysters. Under the leadership of new owner LaMont Zeno Russell, the business is undergoing a relaunch to reestablish itself as a neighborhood institution, maintaining its craft beer and signature oysters while adding crafted cocktails, mocktails, and modern Southern-inspired bar bites. The space is designed to be a vibrant community hub with a beer garden aesthetic, featuring trivia nights, line dance classes, professional networking events and often a live DJ.
Comments 0
No Readers' Pick yet.