Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Worner
Hi Chad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For nearly 20 years, I worked in student housing development and operations, a career that kept me constantly on the move. With a young family at home, I found myself missing precious time with them. About 15 years ago, my wife gifted me a home-brew kit, sparking my passion for brewing—though I quickly realized I wasn’t the best brewer. However, the experience planted the seed for something bigger. At the time, there wasn’t much to do in the Lakeway/Spicewood area, and I saw an opportunity to create a gathering space for the community. Drawing on my background in development and management, I began shaping the vision for a brewery that would be more than just a place for beer—it would be a welcoming, family-friendly space where people could come together, connect, and feel at home. That vision became Frontyard Brewing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building Frontyard has been more challenging—and even more rewarding—than I ever imagined. From opening during COVID to dealing with the rising costs of raw materials while families’ discretionary income has tightened, we’ve had to stay creative and adaptable. On top of that, we share our site with multiple tenants, which brings its own unique set of challenges. Despite these hurdles, we’ve continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community, whether by offering non-alcoholic beverages, hosting kid-friendly events, or finding new ways to engage and bring people together. Through it all, our focus remains the same—providing a welcoming, safe, and family-friendly environment for everyone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Frontyard Brewing is more than just a brewery—it’s a community-driven gathering place designed for families, friends, and beer lovers alike. Nestled in the Lakeway/Spicewood area, we specialize in crafting high-quality, innovative beers, from refreshing lagers to bold barrel-aged stouts, while also offering non-alcoholic beverages and kid-friendly events to ensure there’s something for everyone. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment where people can come together, whether they love beer or not. We take pride in being recognized as Austin’s Best Brewery multiple years in a row and in earning a reputation as the area’s most family-friendly brewery. Operating in a shared space with multiple tenants presents unique challenges, but it also fuels our creativity, pushing us to continuously adapt and evolve. From wood-fired Italian pizzas and hand-ground brisket burgers to special beer releases and monthly Gospel Brunches, we strive to make Frontyard a place where everyone feels at home. More than anything, we want our guests to know that when they visit Frontyard, they’re stepping into a space built with community at its heart—a place to relax, connect, and create lasting memories.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in a small Midwestern town where the speed limit was 35, and New Year’s Eve meant hitting golf balls into the cornfields. Life was simple and easy, but I was eager to see what else was out there. After college, I moved to Florida and began a career in student housing, which took me across the country, working with colleges that varied in demographics, architecture, staff, and management styles. This experience taught me to be adaptable and creative while always prioritizing the quality of the experience for those I worked with. Many would describe me as extroverted—most weekends, you’ll find me at Frontyard Brewing, greeting guests and catching up with friends and patrons. However, I also value quiet moments to recharge. I thrive on challenges and am always determined to see things through, no matter how tough the road ahead may be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frontyardbrewing.com
- Instagram: @frontyardbrewing
- Facebook: @frontyardbrewing
- Twitter: @frontyardbrew
Image Credits
Meraki Narrative
