We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Whitney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

When Cherry Street Brewing began planning our Halcyon location, Alisa Tanner-Wall sat me down and asked whether I wanted to move into management or take a leap into building an events and catering program from the ground up. At that time, there wasn’t a program—just an Excel sheet and a private room at our Vickery location. It was both exciting and terrifying because there was no clear roadmap, just a shared belief that we could create something special.Then COVID hit. I was furloughed, but I didn’t want this opportunity to pass byl. I started researching and reaching out to open-air venueswhere we could safely host small gatherings. We did our first few weddings in masks, trying to deliver the same warmth and hospitality even when guests couldn’t see us smile. That was the turning point, when we realized we could evolve beyond in-house events and bring the Cherry Street experience off-site.Soon after, before Halcyon even officially opened, we were asked to close down the entire restaurant for a private event. Complete with passed appetizers, a full buffet, and custom bar service. That night confirmed we were onto something real.Fast forward to today, we’re partnered with nine venues across the North Georgia and Alpharetta and still host multiple events each week in-house. Our program has grown into a true extension of the Cherry Street brand. We are chef-driven, creative, and community-focused.Looking back, saying yes to that opportunity was a leap of faith. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to support myself or if it would even work, but it became one of the most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built together from Alisa’s vision and guidance, to Nick’s problem-solving, and the culinary creativity of Kirstie Allen, our General Manager, and Tommy, our Banquet Chef. That one risk grew into a thriving program that reflects exactly what Cherry Street stands for heart, hospitality, and a willingness to take bold chances to serve people well.

Hannah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Hannah Whitney, and I’ve been part of the Cherry Street Brewing family for over a decade. With more than 17 years in hospitality, I’ve found my passion in creating experiences that bring people together through great food, craft drinks, and genuine connection.

At Cherry Street Brewing, we offer bespoke catering, bar, and event services from intimate gatherings to large celebrations both in-house and off-site through our Vickery and Halcyon locations. We’re proud to be a one-stop shop for all things celebration, providing chef-driven menus, custom bar setups, rentals, and day-of coordination.

What makes us different is our personal touch. Every event is tailored to our clients’ unique stories, tastes, cultures, and budgets. We make everything in-house and love collaborating with clients even when they bring us Pinterest boards or TikTok ideas!

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built from local charity events to our partnerships with nearby venues and the way our team’s creativity shines through every bite and pour. At Cherry Street, we believe food and drink are at the heart of every celebration, and it’s our honor to make those moments unforgettable.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Cherry Street Brewing actually began as a Cooperative, meaning collaboration and community were part of our story from the very beginning and that mindset still guides us today. We make a conscious effort to partner with other small, local businesses, from farms and bakeries to event venues and food vendors. The relationships we build with these partners strengthen not only our own brand but also help the community we’re proud to be part of.

The venues we work with share our same mindset of being family-oriented, creative, and passionate about creating meaningful experiences rather than cookie-cutter events. We intentionally avoid the “wedding factory” style of operations because we believe every client deserves a personal, hands-on experience.

We also take pride in sourcing locally whenever possible, supporting small producers and suppliers who care as deeply about quality as we do. For us, success isn’t just about hosting great events, it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a ripple effect of positive impact through hospitality, partnership, and shared growth.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At Cherry Street, we don’t just host events, we build relationships. Many of our clients have been part of our story for years. We’ve had couples who came to our brewpub for their first date, later booked us for their engagement parties, trusted us to cater their weddings, and eventually celebrated their baby showers with us. Being part of those milestones is the greatest compliment we could receive.We foster that kind of loyalty through genuine care and connection. We tell our clients they’re part of the Cherry Street family. We stay in touch, celebrate their life moments, and make a point to greet them whenever they visit our spaces. Many of our clients have truly become friends we’d love to sit down and share a drink with.At the end of the day, brand loyalty isn’t built through marketing it’s built through memories, trust, and authenticity. We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel seen, cared for, and excited to return for the next chapter of their story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cherrystreetbrewing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherrystreetbrewing/
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/cherrystreetbrewing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-whitney-7763a71ba/