Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Waller.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never planned to own a brewery. I was a middle school science teacher who loved two things: good beer and sharing what I’d learned. A fellow teacher and friend, Thomas Monti, shared that same spark. What started as comparing homebrew recipes after class turned into Schoolhouse Beer & Brewing for Thomas—a little craft beer bottle shop and homebrew supply store in Marietta where he helped others learn the craft just like we had. It became my second home.
Before long, people started asking when they could actually drink our beer instead of just buying the ingredients. So, we took the next big step. In 2019, I left the classroom and Thomas closed up the homebrew store so we could open Schoolhouse Brewing in Marietta, Georgia—a place where education meets recess. The idea was simple: make great beer, share the process, and create a space that feels like community, not just a taproom.
The school theme comes naturally. We built a taproom with spaces like the “Principal’s Office,” and “Teacher’s Lounge,” all meant to keep things lighthearted and fun. We brew what inspires us, we change it up constantly, and if you love one of our beers, we’ll happily hand you the recipe so you can brew it at home. We even continue to run a homebrew supply store inside the brewery, so you can get the ingredients you need right here. That’s the teacher in us—we never stop encouraging others to learn, explore, and enjoy the process.
Today, Schoolhouse Brewing is more than a brewery—it’s a gathering place. It’s where creativity meets craft, where curiosity is rewarded with a pint, and where a couple of former teachers turned their lesson plans into a life’s passion..
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When we opened The Gymnasium at Emory Point, our goal was simple: bring the Schoolhouse spirit to a new neighborhood. The space was beautiful, the team was dedicated, and the beer was some of our best. But the reality was harsh — foot traffic lagged, costs climbed, and the post-pandemic beer scene wasn’t the same one we’d built our dreams on.
Closing that location in 2024 was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made. It felt like telling a class the field trip was canceled — not because we did anything wrong, but because the world changed around us. Still, it reminded me why we started Schoolhouse in the first place: not to grow endlessly, but to create a space where people connect over great beer and good conversation.
The truth is, the beer industry is in a tough spot right now. Taproom traffic is down, costs are up, and competition is fierce. But we’re sticking to what’s always worked for us — brewing creative, quality beer, sharing what we know, and being a place that feels like home. Teaching and brewing both take patience and resilience, and every challenge just adds another lesson to the story.
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?
I’m Justin Waller, co-founder of Schoolhouse Brewing in Marietta, GA. We’re a brewery and taproom built on creativity, community, and a love of teaching — both in life and in beer. We specialize in innovative, ever-changing beers, from small-batch sours to hoppy IPAs, and we’re known for sharing our recipes so others can learn and experiment at home. What sets us apart is our schoolhouse-themed experience and our focus on making every visit fun and welcoming. I’m most proud that our brand reflects curiosity, connection, and craft, and that we’ve built a place where people can come together, enjoy great beer, and feel at home.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If I could give advice to anyone starting out, it’s this: owning your own business is nothing like the “you’ll never work another day in your life” idea. You will work every day — early mornings, late nights, weekends — and there will be challenges you never saw coming. The key is rolling with the punches, staying flexible, and keeping your passion front and center. Hard work is non-negotiable, but the difference is that most of the time, you love what you’re doing. Celebrate the wins, learn from the setbacks, and remember why you started — that drive will carry you through the tough days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.schoolhousebeer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolhousebeer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolhousebeer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolhousebeer
