Policy Kings Brewery is seeking the public’s help as it looks to expand beyond its taproom walls. It’s in the final days of its Kickstarter campaign. And it needs a big boost to meet its $25,000 goal by April 9.

The three-year-old Cedar City nano-brewery brews just enough beer to keep up with demand at its taproom. But owners Sara and Dre Ridgel have loftier aspirations.

“We’re going to get a new system, which will double our capacity and our efficiency,” the Policy Kings owners told me during a video interview. “Our goal is to spread our beer up north, and all over Southern Utah, so people have more opportunities to try it. That’s our goal.”

But when Policy Kings attempted to secure financing in a more traditional way, it faced roadblocks. So the brewery opted to turn to its customers, as well as to the larger Utah craft beer community.

“We started the Kickstarter after dealing with the local bank here for months and months, trying to get it to work and going back and forth,” Policy Kings told me. “Finally, we just ended it and decided, why don’t we reach out to our local beer community and ask them for help?”

Blazing a Trail

Sara and Dre are trailblazers. In 2018, they opened Cedar City’s first brewery. Policy Kings is also Utah’s only Black-owned brewery (and one of relatively few in the nation).

In addition to its 5% ABV draft beer lineup, Policy Kings recently began brewing and canning high-point beer-to-go (I thoroughly enjoyed its 01-01-01 offering, both the beer itself and the meaning behind the beer’s name).

Breweries, as you know, are an important part of any community. And when it’s the only brewery serving a thirsty community, its role is vital. It’s important to remember that Utah Craft Beer extends beyond the Wasatch Front.

While Policy Kings is off to a good start with its Kickstarter, time is running out.

The thing with a Kickstarter campaign is it’s an all-or-nothing deal. Policy Kings is seeking a $25,000 cash infusion (perks are included at specific donation levels). If Policy Kings doesn’t meet its goal by its April 9 deadline, the brewery gets nothing from the campaign.

As we’ve been reminded in the last year, we should support local businesses whenever and however possible. Please learn more about the Policy Kings story and consider making a contribution.