We spoke with Garrett Marrero, co-owner and founder of the Maui Brewing Company about a brand that was started as a passion to create an authentic beer for Hawaii and now sodas and spirits that would pay homage to land and its residences that are making waves from the sun-swept island state to the mainland of the U.S. given customers a true taste of the islands. Marrero takes on a journey from the company’s beginnings as a brewpub in 2005, fast- forward to 2019 where Maui Brewing Company has four amazing restaurants, a brand-new brewery and a team of over 800, which all started from a trip to the Maui.
By Jordan Parker I t’s hard to fathom that a vacation to the Islands began Garrett Marrero’s journey with Maui Brewing Company. The hotspot celebrated 14 years open at the end of January, and owner Marrero’s simple concept of authentic, homemade craft beer has been pleasing locals for years. “I grew up in San Diego and took a trip to Maui in the early 2000s. I learned their local beer was made in Portland, and I felt a drive to get them their own beer,” he said. “I loved Maui as a place, and I wanted to make the move. The authentic beer would have been a way to pay homage to the land.”
Marrero fell in love when he caught a glimpse of the mountains at baggage claim in Hawaii, and his dream drew him to the island full-time. He moved in December 2004, and Maui Brewing was open by January 2005. He purchased a flailing brewpub and opened up. “I looked up the name ‘Maui Brewing’ and there was no registration. I got the trademark and began in the footprint of a seven-barrel system full restaurant. We reformatted and created it in an existing space,” he said. “Everyone thought I was crazy, but I’m an idea guy and I dream big. Many friends laughed when I told
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MARCH 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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