Some of the best business ideas begin at home.

For the Howard family, a hobby of homebrewing eventually became Bad Dad Brewing Co., a business that has grown from a small brewery in Fairmount into a destination with a second location in downtown Richmond. Their story, featured in the 2026 Livability East Central Indiana magazine, is another example of how entrepreneurs are finding opportunities to grow while staying rooted in the communities they love.

As Forge ECI continues our Livability Spotlight Series, we’re highlighting businesses that demonstrate how innovation, family entrepreneurship, and community investment are strengthening East Central Indiana’s economy.

From Family Hobby to Family Business

Like many entrepreneurial journeys, Bad Dad Brewing Co. started with a passion.

Founder Barry Howard began brewing beer at home, and when the family-owned restaurant, Grains & Grill, regularly experienced long wait times, the family saw an opportunity. They transformed extra space into a small brewery, giving customers a place to gather while introducing them to handcrafted beer. What began with a five-barrel brewing system quickly grew into something much bigger.

The business evolved again when Barry’s son, Derek, returned to Indiana after living in New York City. Inspired by the neighborhood pizzerias he had experienced in Brooklyn, he introduced scratch-made pizza to the brewery, creating a combination that would become a signature part of the Bad Dad experience.

Growing with Purpose

As demand increased, so did the business.

In 2020, Bad Dad Brewing expanded its brewing capacity with a larger production system, positioning the company for continued growth. More recently, the family opened Bad Dad Pint & Slice in downtown Richmond, bringing its craft beer and artisan pizza to a new audience while investing in one of East Central Indiana’s vibrant downtown districts.

The decision wasn’t simply about opening another location—it was about filling a need.

The Richmond location was developed with partner Korak Ladd, whose culinary expertise helped bring Derek Howard’s vision of authentic scratch-made pizza to life. Together, they recognized an opportunity to create a destination offering something unique for the community.

Entrepreneurship Built on Community

The success of Bad Dad Brewing Co. reflects one of East Central Indiana’s greatest strengths: entrepreneurs who invest in their communities.

Locally owned restaurants, breweries, and gathering places do more than serve great food and drinks. They create spaces where neighbors connect, visitors explore downtowns, and local economies flourish. Their growth generates jobs, supports nearby businesses, and contributes to the quality of life that makes East Central Indiana an attractive place to live and work.

A Region That Supports Growth

Bad Dad Brewing Co.’s story also highlights why East Central Indiana continues to be a place where businesses can thrive.

Affordable operating costs, strong community support, and vibrant downtowns provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand while remaining connected to their hometown roots. Whether launching a startup or opening a second location, business owners throughout the region benefit from an ecosystem that encourages innovation and collaboration.

Raising a Glass to Local Success

At Forge ECI, we believe every successful small business contributes to the strength of our regional economy.

Bad Dad Brewing Co. demonstrates how family entrepreneurship, creativity, and a willingness to evolve can turn a passion into a growing business that serves multiple communities. Their journey is another reminder that East Central Indiana is a place where entrepreneurs can build something meaningful—and where communities are eager to support their success.

We encourage you to read the full Livability East Central Indiana feature and discover more stories of businesses that are helping shape the future of our region.