Kraig Torres likes his beer. He’s traveled the world tasting different stouts, porters, ambers and lagers – you name it, he’s tried it. That love of beer led him to open Hop City Craft Beer & Wine in 2009.

“I’ve been passionate about beer since it was legal for me to drink,” laughs Kraig. He never dreamed it would eventually become his profession. But all in due time.

Kraig first partnered with Invest Atlanta back in 2003 – not to pursue his passion for beer, but to open a collision and body shop. Invest Atlanta provided financing to help Kraig purchase the space for his business. After several years restoring mangled cars, Kraig decided the time had come to pursue his true passion. He opened the first Hop City Craft Beer & Wine in West Midtown with 12 taps and became the forefather of Georgia’s beer growler scene.

At that time, craft beer consumption in Georgia was at 4 percent; today it’s 20 percent and growing. “The public has decided this is what beer is supposed to taste like,” says Kraig. “I’m proud of my brewing friends and all they’ve accomplished; it’s hard to believe how much the market has grown.” Kraig and his team have grown Hop City in the process. When he first opened his doors, he had four employees. Today, he’s about to open his fifth location (three in Atlanta, one in Alpharetta and one in Birmingham, Alabama) and will have 150 employees across his platform. Home to the East Coast’s largest selection of beer, Hop City has indeed made a name for itself – including being recognized as one of the country’s top 10 retailers by RateBeer and being awarded an A+ by Beer Advocate.

“Atlanta is a really vibrant city,” says Kraig. “It’s a fun melting pot of personality and culture. The best part of my job is meeting new people and introducing them to all the great beer that’s being brewed today.”

Kraig is again working with Invest Atlanta to finance the renovations for his fifth location in Atlanta’s West End. Invest Atlanta also is helping him staff the new location through a local job bank. “It’s an easy partnership,” says Kraig. “They’re always willing to listen. If you have a smart business plan and are willing to put in the work, Invest Atlanta can help you achieve your dream.”

Read more stories about how Invest Atlanta has helped local small businesses in our 2018 Annual Report.