Frontyard Brewing, a family-focused brewery in Spicewood, Texas, was created with a commitment to community. While craft breweries need to focus on optimizing their operations, the heart of this brewery lies in building relationships and making a positive impact. Amber Worner shares, “When Chad founded Frontyard, this was the part I was most excited about.”
Chad Worner started brewing beer in 2010 with a homebrewing kit, and today, he and Amber, along with their partners Bryan and Amanda Russell, own Frontyard Brewing in Spicewood. While they’ve found success, Amber admits their journey was challenging. “To be honest, after opening, we found ourselves floundering just to keep our heads above water. Learning to run food trucks, a brewery, and cope with COVID were just a few of the roadblocks we were up against,” she reflects.
In addition to running the brewery, Amber balances her career as a pediatric psychotherapist, parenting coach, and speaker. She believes in living with intention. "There’s always time to make a difference. If not you, then who?" she says. This philosophy led to the creation of the Social Collective, born from their manifesto: “Our neighborhood is more than one house or one block or one street. It’s the people. And here, we look out for each other, we help one another. We’re neighborly. That’s why our goal isn’t simply to brew beer. It’s to craft community. Beer is just the invitation.”
The Social Collective began with the goal of hosting a ladies' night to give back to local nonprofits benefiting women and children. In three years, they’ve raised over $35,000 for these causes. “What has surprised me most is the beautiful community of women who show up every month to do good for our community and encourage each other,” Amber reflects. The group, ranging from their 20s to 80s, comes together in harmony, transcending beliefs and backgrounds. Amber adds, “It’s so unique and refreshing in this political climate to have women from all ages, beliefs, and walks of life show up in love.”
The Social Collective meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Frontyard Brewing located on 4514 Bob Wire Rd. The events are free, and all profits benefit local nonprofits. Local businesses donate raffle prizes, with tickets at just $5. For event details, follow Frontyard Brewing on Instagram @FrontyardBrewing or visit FrontyardBrewing.com.
“Our goal has always been to leave the community better than when we found it."