web exclusive

That’s Crafty!

Houston’s HopDrop Delivers Hard-to-Find Beer

Screen Shot 2020-03-25 at 1.00.55 PM
Screen Shot 2020-03-25 at 1.00.55 PM

The owners of Houston-based HopDrop are sensing a new chapter is brewing for the two-year-old biz. This past week has been the busiest in company history for HopDrop, which sources craft beers from all over the city and brings them directly to your door — a former convenience that is now a necessity.

Houston’s craft-brew scene has rapidly expanded over the last several years, both in quantity and in geography. Lots are in hip inner-city ’hoods, and several others still are 30-plus miles outside of town, providing a fun all-day destination for beer-lovers —  but a challenging journey for others. “I liked trying out all the awesome breweries that Houston has to offer, but I have three kids and I live in Katy,” says founder Mike Francis, who figured there were a lot of other folks who shared this problem. Francis points out that the benefits of HopDrop go two ways: Houston-area residents are thrilled to get the beer they crave without having to leave their house, while breweries are equally excited to continue serving their customer base. “Everyone always has a big smile when you bring them beer.”

More than 300 beers from Spindletap, Southern Star, B52 and other craft breweries are available to shop via HopDrop’s website. Search by brewery, style, packaging or even ABV.  To complete an order, customers must sign up for the company’s “Draft Wagon” program. For a one-time charge of $8.99, get unlimited deliveries for a month (each delivery, however, comes with a $6 processing and delivery fee). Or for a $14.95 monthly subscription (or $120 for a full year), enjoy unlimited deliveries (fee-free!) and access to special limited-release beers from local breweries.

Currently, HopDrop is focusing on any and all Houston breweries, including classics like 8th Wonder and newcomers like Urban South. “We like up-and-coming breweries, too, because it gives them a shot at expanding their customer base. They can get ‘regulars’ that are 50 miles away that order every week,” Francis explains. “Our brewery friends are in a difficult time, and we are trying to do all we can to help.”

Dispatches
promoted

Thrive & Inspire: ‘Results for Clients’ in Oil and Gas Drives Michelman & Robinson’s Varnado

Thrive & Inspire: ‘Results for Clients’ in Oil and Gas Drives Michelman & Robinson’s Varnado

Lauren Varnado, Houston Office Managing Partner at Michelman & Robinson, LLP and sought-after oil and gas lawyer

WHAT WAS THE highlight of 2022 at your business? That’s easy, launching Michelman & Robinson in Houston was, for me, the absolute high point of 2022 — and that’s in a year that included so many highlights. Without question, being named the firm’s Houston Office Managing Partner is and was a professional milestone that I’m so very proud of. That I’ve already been able to expand the office to 10 of us (and growing) and significantly move the needle in terms of the firm’s reach within the energy space is icing on the cake.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

Al Torres

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places