Stoup Brewing – a purveyor of award-winning beers served in a thoughtful, communal space – is a cornerstone of Seattle’s burgeoning Ballard “Brewery District”. Opened in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba together with Robyn Schumacher – Stoup is a lifelong dream realized by three friends who love all things food and drink. More than a family-friendly brewery, the taproom is a place that embraces the fundamental essence of beer: a means of bringing people together, one pint at a time. Each of the trio left behind “safer” careers to realize their dream of opening a brewery: Lara, nearly two decades in marketing and PR for wine importers; Brad, a career as a forensic chemist ; Robyn, 13 years as a high school teacher. Collectively, they believe in the community building nature of beer while individually each bring a unique perspective that makes Stoup such a special place.