Illustration created by Allison Magnus

State of the Brew: A Panel on the Future of RI Breweries

May 7, 2025

Share
Illustration created by Allison Magnus
State of the Brew: A Panel on the Future of RI Breweries
Copy

Join us for an evening of lively discussion, a video screening and insight into the evolving landscape of Rhode Island’s craft beer industry. State of the Brew brings together local leaders and voices from the beer community to talk about one of the hottest topics in the state: distribution rights and the future of small breweries.

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 7
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: The Guild, 461 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI

🎤 Panelists:

From left to right: Matt Gray – Co-owner of Ragged Island Brewing, Portsmouth, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee – (D-Narragansett), Chair of the RI House Small Business Committee and Matt Taibi – secretary-treasurer of Teamsters, Local 251.
From left to right: Matt Gray, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Matt Taibi
Provided.

  • Matt Gray – Co-owner of Ragged Island Brewing, Portsmouth
  • Matt Taibi - Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters, Local 251,
  • Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee – (D-Narragansett), Chair of the RI House Small Business Committee

🎙️ Moderated by:

Ian Donnis, Political Reporter at Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio

Expect a robust discussion on the challenges local brewers face in getting their products on shelves, legislative efforts to support small businesses, and what the future might hold for craft beer in the Ocean State.

The event will feature a screening of the Rhode Island PBS Weekly segment, Restricting the Brew, and conclude with an audience Q&A.

💬 Audience Q&A:

Stick around after the panel and screening for a chance to ask your own questions and engage directly with our panelists.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Come grab a pint and join the conversation!

This looks like the year for higher taxes for Rhode Island’s richest
Rhode Island ranks worst in the nation for poor road conditions, making the debate over gas tax relief especially bumpy
City officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation after flames damaged three Federal Hill buildings
The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking patient records from Rhode Island Hospital and at least a dozen other health centers
The business-backed Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council says the state should shift more funding toward middle-income housing
The former World Series champion reflects on the Red Sox’s sluggish offense, his early nerves as an analyst and finding community in South Kingstown