GALLAGHER DEMPSEY

28 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Winter 2022

crafting a dream

With a commitment to craft and community, Gallagher Dempsey is on the brink of celebrating three years with Southern Philosophy Brewing in June.

Gallagher Dempsey has seemingly lived all over the world, from Argentina to Washington DC, to many cities in Florida. He never thought he would end up in Bainbridge, Ga.., but he has found his dream realized in this quaint town.

One year, on a trip to visit friends with his wife Nicole, they visited Bainbridge to eat at the restaurant that Tyler and Heather Th omas had recently opened. Knowing that Gallagher had always wanted to open a brewery, Tyler began to encourage him to look into the potential of starting one in Bainbridge.

With 17 years of brewing experience, 12 years of business experience, and 10 years of combined experience working in the service industry, Gallagher put together all he knew, and took a leap of faith, “ I dreamed and planned for many years and when the time came I acted….To accomplish my goals my family and I saved every penny we could. We then took a leap of faith and moved to a new town, Bainbridge. I created a business plan and shared it with interested parties. I did my research. I utilized labor when available, however I spent every day aft er my 9-5 job building the brewery nearly on my own with the help of a few close friends at times. Once we were open I did everything I could to keep disciplined, to strive to create a quality product and to get better every day.” Gallagher commented on the brewery’s beginnings.

And create a quality product, he did. Anyone can see his passion for the craft at hand. He enjoys using his creativity to brew diff erent types of beers, many of which come from the suggestion of his patrons. From sours, to lagers, to IPAs, Gallagher truly enjoys the intricate process it takes to brew each one.

Southern Philosophy Brewing Company will be open for three years as of June 2022. Any business owner can speak to the overwhelming responsibility it takes to keep a business running. With this in mind, one would imagine that it would be diffi cult to fi nd time to serve the community, but Gallagher has used his business as a platform to give back to the community that has supported him so well.

Th e brewery has been the host of various community fundraisers such as the Celebrity Bartenders for Cloud event. Gallagher is also the co-creator of the Jazz and Blues Fest, casting a vision to attract regional tourists to Bainbridge. He also seeks to support other local businesses through collaborations with local vendors such as, Springhill Tree Farm, using their strawberries in the desserts on this menu as well as the beer he brews. Other businesses he uses are Long Farms produce, Grady Ranch beef, and Lashley Aviaries honey.

Gallagher’s commitment to his craft and this community has earned him a seat on the Chamber Board of Directors. Nominated in 2021, Gallagher rolled on the Chamber Board in January of 2022. He is the epitome of a new generation leader, one our community is sure to benefi t from.

Winter 2022 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 29