Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Zesbaugh. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Anna ventured to Colorado in 2014 to study Hospitality Management at the University of Denver. She had been working in corporate events for 2 years after graduation when the pandemic hit – events were quickly untenable, and of course her job too.
In March 2020, the mayor of Denver declared liquor stores non-essential businesses and ordered them closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It was like prohibition all over again – people were scared, they were socializing in different ways and drinking in the privacy of their own homes.
Anna couldn’t get “Hooch” and “Booch” out of her head – Hooch referring to what alcohol was often called in the 1920s, and Booch referring to kombucha. Daydreams turned into business plans, and Hooch Booch was born.
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?
Absolutely not. Most definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.
From legalities around selling an alcohol product to opening Denver’s first hard kombucha taproom to being a female in a male-dominated beer industry every day is a roller coaster but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hooch Booch is a Denver-based female-founded hard kombucha brand. What sets us apart is our classic cocktail and high-ABV approach to hard kombucha.
I am most proud of how far our brand has come in less than 2 years in the market. I would love readers to know that better-for-you beverages are not only in but here to stay. We would love to be your go-to beverage for all your sipping needs!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see and the data shows the industry dramatically growing. Consumers are looking to shop more and more consciously every day looking to support minority-owned brands and brands that offer a benefit or new alternative to the current.
Pricing:
- $13.99 for a 4-pack
Contact Info:
- Website: drinkhoochbooch.com
- Instagram: @drinkhoochbooch
Image Credits
Lanzer Productions, Jake Holschuh, and Victoria Larkins
