On this episode of Small Business, Big Conversations, I sat down with Chris Harris, the entrepreneur behind Black Frog Brewery and the man making history by opening Cleveland’s first Black-owned brewery.

From Garage Hobby to Thriving Taproom

Chris’s journey began in his garage in Holland, Ohio, where brewing beer started as nothing more than a hobby. That hobby quickly became a passion project, and before long, he was serving craft beer to an eager local community. With a name inspired by his hometown’s nickname, “Frog Town,” Chris embraced the moniker and proudly calls himself the Black Frog.

What started small has grown into a thriving taproom and a story of entrepreneurial determination.

Bringing Black Frog to Cleveland

Now, Chris is bringing his brewing expertise and community-first vision to Cleveland. Inside the MidTown Collaboration Center, Black Frog Brewery will not only pour beers brewed with heart (and his signature honey malt), but also create a welcoming space where everyone feels like family.

This expansion is more than business growth, it’s a milestone in representation, making history as the city’s first Black-owned brewery.

Collaboration and Community Impact

Chris isn’t doing it alone. He’s already planning collaborations with fellow MidTown neighbors like Chef Tiwanna Scott-Williams of Pearl’s Kitchen. Together, they’re turning the neighborhood into a destination where food, drink, culture, and community intersect.

For Chris, every pint served is about more than flavor. It’s about connection, inclusion, and creating a movement that leaves a lasting impact.

Hear His Story

Chris Harris’s journey is one of passion, pride, and purpose. From garage experiments to MidTown milestones, he’s proving that entrepreneurship can bring people together in powerful ways. I hope you find his story as inspiring as I did. Watch this episode of Small Business, Big Conversations below to hear Chris share his journey in his own words.

This season of Small Business, Big Conversations is brought to you in partnership with Erie Bank and Impressia Bank, both dedicated to helping small business owners access the capital and resources they need to grow their ventures.