Two Locals Brewing Company Announces Brewery and Taproom at uCity Square

Philadelphia’s First Black-Owned Brewery Joins Wexford’s Vibrant Knowledge Community

Wexford Science & Technology, LLC today announced Two Locals Brewing Company has signed a lease to open Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery and taproom at 3675 Market Street, in uCity Square. Two Locals plans to open in summer 2023.

Founded by brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor, Two Locals got their start with a one-gallon home brewing kit in 2016, and only three years later, won a silver medal at Winter Warmers, hosted by the Philadelphia Home Brew club for their ‘Nubian Brown Ale;’ named partially to represent their culture. You can find their beer at various taverns like Local 44 and City Tap House as well as at Eagles games.

“We’re excited about our first location being in uCity Square,” said Richard Koilor, Co-Owner and Head Brewer of Two Locals. “We will be in West Philly, close to where we grew up; have a highly visible location that will allow people to enjoy our beer and our culture; and we plan to give back to the community in any way that we’re able,” he continued.

The 6,000 square foot space at 37th and Market Streets will offer a food menu with bar mainstays as well as a Liberian dish each week to pair with an expanded range of Two Locals craft beer including stouts, IPAs, lagers, fruited tart ales that aim to bring unique flavors influenced from their culture. They will also continue to collaborate with local breweries to create featured beers; and will offer Pennsylvania-made ciders, wines and liquors.

Beyond their food and beverage offerings, the Two Locals’ space will serve as a focal point to support community initiatives such as school supply drives, apprenticeship programs, and events featuring local artists.

“uCity Square is made richer by the diversity of people and ideas that can collide and collaborate here, which makes Two Locals a great addition to our growing Knowledge Community,” said Pete Cramer, Wexford’s Vice President and Market Executive. “Two Locals brings more than just food and beverage to the neighborhood. This will be a space for residents, workers and neighbors to gather and connect,” Cramer continued.

After establishing themselves with the home brewing community, the Koilers began hosting tastings throughout the city, and collaborating with other Philadelphia breweries, including Love City Brewing, Attic Brewing, Wissahickon Brewing Company, and Trace Brewing Co. The Koilors quickly realized the glaring lack of diversity in the industry and decided to establish Two Locals to become the first Black-owned brewery in Philadelphia.

Mengistu was born in Liberia and came to Philadelphia when he was seven years old, and Richard was born and raised in Philadelphia. Having grown up in West Philadelphia, they were focused on opening their first brick and mortar space near their neighborhood.