Dale Bros. Brewery Named "Small Business Of The Year"

Dale Bros. Brewery, a microbrewery in Upland, Calif., was named Small Business of the Year in the 41st Assembly District by Assembly member Chris Holden’s office. The brewery is based in Upland and is owned and operated by brothers Curt and Andy Dale, born and raised in nearby Claremont, Calif. The brewery has won 38 awards for outstanding craft beer.

Dale Bros. Brewery was nominated in part because “They have significantly enriched and supported their community. In addition to strong business growth, the brewery has contributed tens of thousands of dollars in direct and indirect contributions to local non-profit organizations, and hosted dozens of charitable community events in their tap room and beer garden,” according to the citation issued by Holden’s office.

“Andy and Curt exemplify perseverance, community spirit and dedication to their brewing craft. Upland is most proud of their accomplishments and recognition for brewing excellence,” said Gino L. Filippi, City of Upland Councilmember.

Founded in 2003, Dale Bros has grown from a one-man operation to employing 21 people and providing their craft beer to bars, restaurants and retailers in a 20-mile radius of the brewery, as well as through its popular tap room just south of Cable Airport in Upland. “Our goal is not just to produce great beer, but to be a thoughtful and caring member of our community, and a great place to work,” said co-owner Andy Dale.

As part of their commitment to the community, Dale Bros. Brewery founded the annual Brews and Bros. Craft Beer Festival, which takes place at Cable Airport in Upland each January, and benefits the local non-profit, Claremont Educational Foundation. This event draws people from all over southern California to the San Gabriel Valley. The citation from Holden’s office noted that, “The growth of the event provides substantial philanthropic benefits while also helping other local businesses by introducing the attendees to the Inland Empire.”

Small Business Advisory Committee Member Randy Prout was equally impressed with the nomination of Dale Bros. Brewery. “From day one, the Dale brothers have made it their business to give back to the communities they serve,” said Prout.

“It’s always been an important part of our DNA as a company, and is generally part of the ethic of the craft beer industry as a whole,” said Andy Dale. “If you can grow your business while bringing people together to have a good time and support worthy causes, why not? We’re humbled to be recognized for this part of what we do.”

Dale Bros. Brewery will be honored, along with other small businesses from each California Assembly District, at an event at the Sacramento Convention Center on California Small Business Day, June 10, 2015 at 9 a.m.