Atlanta lost a great chef last week, Ryan Hidinger. This story starts with Ryan, who worked at local restaurant Muss & Turners, and his wife, Jen. The two shared aspirations of opening a restaurant of their own. The duo would hold weekend supper clubs to raise money for that dream.
A few years ago, Ryan was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer and given just six months to live. Most people probably wouldn’t have blamed him for giving up. That’s not even close to what Ryan and his wife, Jen, did. The first step was getting the most aggressive treatment available. The next was to continue working towards make their restaurant, The Staplehouse, a reality.
The outpouring of support for Ryan led them (in part) to create The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that offers financial assistance to restaurant and hospitality workers with similar hardships.
When SweetWater Brewery learned of the cause, there was no question of their desire to help. Working with Ryan, the SweetWater brewers designed a beer based on Hidinger’s favorite style- the imperial IPA. 100% of the profits from the sale of this beer goes to The Giving Kitchen. Not only is SweetWater donating, but also United Distributors, and the many Atlanta establishments selling Second Helping IPA.
Whether or not you had the honor of meeting Ryan Hidinger, it is impossible not to be inspired by this desire to achieve his dream, and help others along with way. The world needs more people like him.
SweetWater Second Helping IPA is available on draft & 22oz bombers for a limited time. Your purchase will help give someone a second chance. Grab a few bottles. Share it with friends. Sometimes it’s not just a beer – it’s hope.
