What Checkerspot Brewing does

Checkerspot Brewing Company is an independently owned craft brewery and taproom headquartered at 1421 Ridgely St. in Baltimore, Maryland, founded by Judy and Rob Neff circa 2017-2018. The company produces small-batch gluten-reduced beers through an enzyme treatment process that reduces — but does not eliminate — gluten content, alongside an always-available gluten-free seltzer and a rotating food menu with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Co-founder Judy Neff leads brewing operations as a Certified Cicerone with a PhD in microbiology from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, while Rob Neff leads sales and distribution. The brewery also offers wine and cocktails on tap and runs a three-tier private event program (Small, Medium, and Large venues accommodating up to 500 people).

The business operates as a direct-to-consumer taproom plus a regional keg wholesale channel, with no external investors, parent company, or funding rounds disclosed. Distribution is concentrated at the single Baltimore location, which sits a short walk from Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, generating organic game-day foot traffic from Orioles and Ravens events. The company monetizes through on-premise draft beer sales (with 8oz half pours available), kitchen food service with QR-code mobile ordering, keg distribution managed by a dedicated sales contact, digital gift card sales through the ToastTab platform, and private event space rentals. Customer segments span local craft beer enthusiasts, gluten-sensitive drinkers, sports-event visitors, and a wide mix of event hosts including weddings, corporate functions, birthday parties, and fundraisers.

Beyond core operations, Checkerspot is embedded in regional craft industry networks — the Brewers Association of Maryland, the South Baltimore Brewery District, and the Pink Boots Society Maryland Chapter — and produces an annual Craft x Craft hazy IPA collaboration with women-owned local bars and restaurants. The company runs a community giving program supporting eight Baltimore-area nonprofits spanning animal rescue, youth development, food insecurity, cancer support, veterans, and environmental causes. There is no disclosed evidence of AI/ML capabilities, patents, or proprietary technology beyond the gluten-reduction brewing process.

Name

Checkerspot Brewing

Legal name

Checkerspot Brewing Company

Website

https://checkerspotbrewing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Checkerspot Brewing Company is an independent Baltimore craft brewery and taproom producing small-batch gluten-reduced beers, on-site food, and private event hosting near Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, serving local craft beer drinkers, gluten-sensitive customers, and event hosts across the Baltimore region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Taprooms & Brewpubs (CRANACAF)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewing
• Gluten-reduced beer
• Taproom services
• Event venue hosting
• Small-batch brewery

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Taproom Beer & Food Sales: Direct sales of brewed beer and food from The Kitchen through the taproom. Operating hours Monday-Thursday 3-9PM, Friday-Saturday 12-10PM, Sunday 12-8PM. Food served during varying hours.
2. Keg Sales: Wholesale keg distribution to other venues and events. Contact Shannon Carley for keg sales inquiries.
3. Event Venue Rental: Rental of private event spaces for various gatherings - weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, showers, and more. Three venue sizes available: small (up to 40 people), medium (40 people with main bar access), and large (up to 225 people, seating for 150).
4. Gift Cards: Digital gift card sales through ToastTab platform for beer and food purchases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Checkerspot Brewing Company is a Baltimore-based craft brewery that produces small-batch, gluten-reduced beers on-site and sells them through a taproom with on-site food service. The company also offers private event hosting across three venue sizes (10-500 people), wholesale keg distribution to local bars and restaurants, and digital gift cards sold via the ToastTab platform.

Product overview

Checkerspot Brewing Company is a Baltimore-based craft brewery producing small-batch, gluten-reduced beers inspired by nature. The core product portfolio includes draft and canned craft beers (with 8oz half pours available), a rotating gluten-free seltzer, and wine and cocktails on tap. The company operates a taproom with on-site food service (The Kitchen), offers private event hosting across three venue sizes (Small, Medium, Large), and sells gift cards through Toast Tab. The brewery also produces special collaboration beers through the Craft x Craft program with other local women-owned hospitality businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Craft Beers (Draft and Canned)

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• South Baltimore Brewery DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Host venue for Craft x Craft hazy IPA collaboration, hosted by the South Baltimore Brewery District. The annual event brings together women from Brewery District breweries and women-owned bars, restaurants, and craft liquor stores in Baltimore for collaborative brewing.
• Alexander's TavernminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWoman-owned tavern in Fells Point opened by Carrie Podles in 2007, later expanded with sister Lori Gjerde to include Huck's American Craft and Wicked Sisters in Hamden.
• Baltimore TaphouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanton neighborhood bar operated by Kristen Bates since 2004, strong advocate for local beers.
• Blue Pit BBQminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWoman-owned, award-winning barbecue restaurant and bar in Hampden with dog-friendly outdoor patio and event space upstairs.
• Bunny's Buckets & Bubbles, Sally O's, The DiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant group operated by Jesse Sandlin including Sally O's in Highlandtown, The Dive in Canton, and Bunny's Buckets & Bubbles in Fells Point.
• Pickett Brewing CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPigtown neighborhood brewery opened by Kate Conway and Jason Howard in 2022, known for bluegrass music series every Sunday.
• Pink Boots Society Maryland ChaptercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStephanie Santos is Assistant Distiller at Sagamore Spirit Distillery and helped restart the Maryland Chapter providing space for industry professionals to reconnect. Pink Boots Society supports women in the craft beverage industry.
• Urban OysterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst female, black owned oyster bar in the US opened by Jasmine Norton in 2017. Semi-finalist for James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic. Also operates The Urban Burger Bar.
• Frankie Bailey (Frankie's Folio)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Designer/Owner created artwork for the Roll Up Our Sleeves collaboration beer. Multi-disciplined design firm focused on innovative design.
• Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF)minorOthersNon-profit animal rescue organization supported through Checkerspot's giving back program.
• Baltimore Compost CollectiveminorOthersCommunity composting organization supported through giving back program.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of BaltimoreminorOthersYouth development organization supported through Checkerspot's community giving.
• Brewers Association of MarylandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorState brewing industry association supporting Maryland craft breweries.
• Cheers to Clean WaterminorOthersWater conservation initiative supported through Checkerspot's giving program.
• Moveable FeastminorOthersFood bank and meal delivery service for those in need in Baltimore.
• Ulman FoundationminorOthersCancer support organization for young adults supported through Checkerspot's giving back.
• Wounded Warrior ProjectminorOthersNon-profit supporting wounded military veterans supported through Checkerspot's giving program.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Diamondback Brewing: Baltimore craft brewery with a neighborhood taproom and small-batch portfolio, comparable in size, local focus, and on-premise DTC revenue model.
• Heavy Seas Beer: Baltimore-based craft brewery operating a taproom and broad distribution, directly comparable in core product (craft beer), on-premise experience, and regional wholesale keg channel.
• Pickett Brewing Company: Pigtown (Baltimore) craft brewery with a taproom and community-focused programming; Checkerspot is a documented Craft x Craft collaboration partner, making it a tight operational and geographic peer.
• Waverly Brewing Company: Baltimore craft brewery with a taproom, comparable in scale, neighborhood orientation, and small-batch production model.
• Nepenthe Brewing Company: Baltimore-area craft brewery with taproom and small-batch portfolio, comparable in product type, on-premise DTC mix, and local distribution footprint.
• DuClaw Brewing Company: Maryland craft brewery with brewpubs and taproom-style venues, highly comparable in business model combining on-site beer service, food, and event hosting.
• Suspended Brewing Company: Baltimore craft brewery with taproom and event programming, directly comparable in DTC model, scale, and event-hosting business line.
• Peabody Heights Brewery: Baltimore-based brewery and taproom producing small-batch craft beer, directly overlapping in geography, product category, and on-premise experience.
• Union Craft Brewing: Independent Baltimore craft brewery with a taproom, neighborhood-oriented brand, and direct overlap in target customers, distribution channels, and community positioning.

Others

• Brewers Association of Maryland (industry association): State-level trade association in which Checkerspot is a member; not a competitor but a direct ecosystem peer that supports advocacy, events, and distribution for Maryland craft breweries.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CheckerspotBrewing
• Instagraminstagram.com/checkerspotbrewing
• Xx.com/checkerspotbc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Checkerspot Brewing