No brewery is an island. Now that we’ve been open for two years we’ve needed some help, and a few stalwart friends have stepped up to the challenge.

These are their stories.

This week: Chris Groves.

Hi.

Hi back.

Tell us a little about yourself.

It’s not easy to talk about yourself, at least for me. I’d say I have serious hobbies including playing music / recording music, homebrewing, beer and golf. I’m from Buffalo and I love it.

How did you get involved with the CBW gang?

Well, as with any scene, the common interest will introduce you to various faces if you are in it long enough. I used to do a radio show turned podcast with Nick Mendola called Craft Beer Talk, which is how I was formally introduced to Ethan some years back. I had known of him and he had known of me… or so he says! I knew [of] you through your video / podcast that you used to, or maybe still do – Beer-O-Vision? Rudy is a staple at Goodbar and it was only a matter of time that we all started conversing. It’s kind of a hodge podge but it shows how beer makes friends and brings good people together.

What started you down the rabbit hole that is good beer?

I started working at Try-It Distributing in 1998, slinging empties in their back warehouse, loading keg trucks, doing breakage etc… My dad, who is recently retired, worked there for 40 years and he got me the job. Then, in 2001 I started work at Consumer’s Beverages, which is where I am currently as their creative director. I’ve always been interested in the way things are made and how things get from A to B… beer happened to be something that stood out. It was my first bottle of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot that did it for me when I turned 21.

Duff’s or Anchor Bar?

Goodbar.

Anything else we should know about you? Any parting words of wisdom?

My friends are some of the most talented people I’ve ever met. Drink local beer, go see live music. Listen to On Beta. That is all.

Any other questions for Chris? Leave them in the comments!