Our Story
In November 1788, the intersection of a dream and a pioneering spirit ignited Benjamin Stites and 26 others to found the settlement of “Columbia” along the banks of the Ohio near the Little Miami River. Now known as Columbia-Tusculum, Streetside Brewery is proud to be rooted in Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood.
With the same industrious energy, the Hickey family, Streetside Brewery founders and residents of Columbia-Tusculum, strives to provide a down-to-earth experience with a selection of exceptional craft beer that’s as diverse, and original, as the community they serve.
Streetside Brewery beers run the gamut from IPAs and Wheats to Lagers and Stouts and specialty beers are featured seasonally. The taproom also spotlights guest taps to support fellow local breweries.
It’s Nice to Meet You
Garrett Hickey
Managing Brewer & Owner
A graduate of Brewlab in Sunderland, England with high honors, Garrett has taken a home-brewing hobby and turned it into a career. He has brewed professionally at Maxim Brewery, Three Kings Brewery and a number of other breweries in England, as well as Labrewatory in Portland, Ore., and Rivertown Brewing Company in Cincinnati.
Victor Navarro
Head Brewer
Victor comes to us from the far southeast side of Chicago. With a heavy manufacturing background, Victor learned to apply his quick learning and adapting skills to brewing. He began gaining accolades with Whiskey Hill Brewing, helping his team take home 2 gold medals at the Festival of Barrel aged Beer. Soon after he joined the More Brewing Company as packaging manager, where he learned to hone the craft of big brewery production. If you don’t see Victor on the brew deck at Streetside, you’ll likely find him playing disc golf or telling jokes at an open mic.
James Schuman
Brewer
One foggy night at Streetside, a James wandered out from the wilds. We showed him how we beer and he began to beer with us. He made his nest back behind the barrels and made his home here with us. We nourish the James with a healthy portion of Metallica’s first three albums and he continues to beer peacefully. Some say that if you hold your glass just so, peering through its contents and into the production facility, you may catch a glimpse of the James while he beers future beer. Or perhaps it was just a shadow. Just the wind.
Steve Schmidt
Production Manager
Steve has been a member of our team since practically day one. This previous taproom-sandwich-maker now works alongside the brewers downstairs. With both chef and Eagle Scout credentials, Steve fills the role of all-around go-to guy perfectly.
Brian Hickey
Founder
Garrett and Brian have been brewing together for years in the family’s garage. After working 20 years in the manufacturing industry, Brian is fulfilling his dream of opening a taproom in his retirement.
Kathie Hickey
Founder
Kathie is an active community volunteer and spends alot of time contributing to the revitalization of the Columbia Tusculum business district and community. Kathie can be found in the taproom, managing the front of house portion of Streetside’s operations. In her spare time she can be found out and about running, walking or cycling in the neighborhood and spending time with her incredibly smart, cute and charming grandson, Teddy.
Andy Sohoza
Creative Director
After a decade of making fine art that looked commercial anyway, Andy decided to explore the world of branding, design, and commercial illustration. He quickly found himself working with some of Cincinnati’s best and brightest through agencies like Landor, BLDG, and most notably, Neltner Small Batch. After three years of freelancing, and too many beer labels to count, Streetside offered him a spot at the table.
Jacob Hedges
Marketing Coordinator
Jacob grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Amelia High School. He went on to obtain a degree in Convergent Media at Morehead State University. Jacob has worked for different brands in different industries and now applies his trade as the face of Streetside’s marketing team. A musician and avid craft beer lover, you’ll find him in the taproom working on social media posts or filming the brewers do their thing.
Martin “Frenchie” French
Sales Manager
Excellent beer and hospitality are in Martin “Frenchie” French’s blood. A native Cincinnatian, Frenchie studied business at Loyola University New Orleans and NKU. Before joining the Streetside team, Frenchie managed the taproom and special events for the Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. in Over-the-Rhine.
Russell Leonard
Sales Rep
Russell has spent more than 10 years helping grow the craft beer industry and is excited to be back in Dayton. A Certified Cicerone who has held multiple positions in the industry, he feels most at home passing on his beer experiences and sharing great beers with others.