Illustration created by Allison Magnus

State of the Brew: A Panel on the Future of RI Breweries

May 7, 2025

Share
Illustration created by Allison Magnus
State of the Brew: A Panel on the Future of RI Breweries
Copy

Join us for an evening of lively discussion, a video screening and insight into the evolving landscape of Rhode Island’s craft beer industry. State of the Brew brings together local leaders and voices from the beer community to talk about one of the hottest topics in the state: distribution rights and the future of small breweries.

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 7
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: The Guild, 461 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI

🎤 Panelists:

From left to right: Matt Gray – Co-owner of Ragged Island Brewing, Portsmouth, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee – (D-Narragansett), Chair of the RI House Small Business Committee and Matt Taibi – secretary-treasurer of Teamsters, Local 251.
From left to right: Matt Gray, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Matt Taibi
Provided.

  • Matt Gray – Co-owner of Ragged Island Brewing, Portsmouth
  • Matt Taibi - Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters, Local 251,
  • Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee – (D-Narragansett), Chair of the RI House Small Business Committee

🎙️ Moderated by:

Ian Donnis, Political Reporter at Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio

Expect a robust discussion on the challenges local brewers face in getting their products on shelves, legislative efforts to support small businesses, and what the future might hold for craft beer in the Ocean State.

The event will feature a screening of the Rhode Island PBS Weekly segment, Restricting the Brew, and conclude with an audience Q&A.

💬 Audience Q&A:

Stick around after the panel and screening for a chance to ask your own questions and engage directly with our panelists.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Come grab a pint and join the conversation!

Rhode Island Lottery says bill’s cap increase for marketing reimbursements would have cost the state nearly $3 million this year
$10M budget amendment comes amid pending sale of struggling hospitals. Coincidence?
With $1.4 million in local funding at risk, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation slams White House move to eliminate federal library agency as part of broader “attack on knowledge” and copyright protections
Backed by Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Kennedy on his first day back from medical leave, the bill to legalize and regulate kratom passed 40–23 — reigniting debate over public health risks, regulatory consistency, and the potential for new state revenue
With just 20 days left in the legislative session, union workers, activists, and striking Butler Hospital staff rallied at the State House, urging lawmakers to pass a surtax on Rhode Island’s wealthiest residents to fund public services and close critical budget gaps
After weeks of testimony and a streamlined approach, prosecutors rested their case in Karen Read’s second trial, focusing on forensic evidence and her own statements while avoiding controversial witnesses from the first mistrial