HomeGrown Brewing Company: A Story of Oxford Roots
At 28 North Washington Street in Oxford sits Homegrown Brewing Company, a place that feels less like a business and more like a long conversation among neighbors. Jeff Powers, who opened the brewery nearly nine years ago with his family, jokes that he spends most of his time handling things he never anticipated, and the rest of his day is spent trying to play catch up. In his words, his team is known for “excellent food, beer, service, events, and just making people smile.”
Jeff grew up in Oxford, and the brewery reflects that deep sense of belonging. The menu is built around scratch cooking, something he sees as essential rather than trendy. “We know what goes in our food,” he says. “We are not taking it out of a box or a can. We are making it, so we can accommodate almost anything.” The approach makes it easy to serve guests with gluten sensitivities or other dietary restrictions, a point of pride for the staff.
While the food and beer may be the first things people notice, the events calendar is what keeps the building humming all year. Live music fills the space most weekends. Trivia on Tuesdays draws the brainy crowd, and music bingo on Thursdays adds a loose and laughing energy. Sunday brunch may be the most beloved ritual of all.
The big seasonal events add something special. The night before Thanksgiving, Oxford fills with friends home for the holiday. There are two Santa Brunches in December that bring in families for a buffet and a visit with a Santa who, according to Jeff, “is top notch.” By the time the holiday season ends, the staff and guests alike feel like they have celebrated together for weeks.
Community service is woven into the fabric of the brewery. They are quietly introducing their Homegrown Giving Tree, a project that supports families suggested by churches and local groups. Visitors can pick a tag, purchase the requested gift or meal, and the brewery delivers it to the family. They also prepare Thanksgiving meals for residents who need help during the holiday. Anyone can call or email to be added to the list, and meals are packaged in portions that feed up to 6 people.
Homegrown Brewing Company also offers meeting space for nonprofits, church groups, and even both sides of the political group spectrum. Jeff sees it as part of the job. A brewery can be a social hub and a neutral ground that invites conversation. “If you need a space to gather, we are in,” he says.
The Powers family believes their longevity comes from trust and familiarity. Staff members have stayed for six years or more. Regulars have been coming since the day the doors opened. Jeff explains it simply. “The longer you are in business, the more those community ties grow.”
As for the future, he hints at new projects but keeps the details quiet for now. There are always a few irons in the fire.
Jeff does take time to attend chamber mixers, and his family is woven into the network of community organizations. He knows the confusion between the DDA and the Chamber all too well, laughing as he tries to keep the acronyms straight. What he cares about most is that the events hosted downtown create real opportunities for Oxford businesses. He says the community festivals are wonderful but adds that the goal should be to bring people inside the shops and restaurants, not just through the sidewalks.
That philosophy fits with the reason these interviews are being conducted in the first place. Many residents do not know the full range of businesses tucked between Lake Orion and Metamora or what they offer. Jeff agrees wholeheartedly. Awareness is as important as revenue. A new visitor often becomes a regular.
Homegrown Brewing Company keeps growing because it understands the town and the people who live in it. It is a place built on local stories and shared meals, a place where the staff knows your preferences and the owner might be the one pouring your pint. In the end, Jeff sums it up best. “It is a community driven business. We are from Oxford. We have been here a long time.”
And with that, he steps away, already heading toward the next task, happy to keep the doors open for whoever walks in next.