Black brew fest organizers accuse Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh of harassment during event

Update: Hofbrauhaus posted on social media that it has suspended the employee in question pending an investigation. “We’re deeply concerned about what we heard and are taking action.”

Organizers of the Barrel and Flow Fest, an event celebrating Black brewers and artists, accused the general manager of Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh of harassment and racism last weekend.

The show’s founder Day Bracey said in social media posts that he invited the brewhouse and its general manager to participate in the day-long event last Saturday held nearby in SouthSide Works on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Bracey said that Hofbrauhaus declined, according to the posts.

Bracey and the general manager in question did not return calls for comment.

Via the Barrel and Flow Facebook page, Bracey said, “(Hofbrauhaus) instead chose to harass us throughout the planning & execution of the fest. (The general manager) made several complaints regarding the music, despite us having a permit and giving ample notice.”

Bracey also alleges “(The general manager) at some point he came out and exploded in a fit of rage, dropping racial slurs at artists & Hearcorp staff. He later called the police, who were too busy to staff the event but had time to make an appearance for this frivolous complaint. It should also be noted that we had severe, unexplainable power issues with that stage throughout the day, and the breaker coincidentally resides in HBH.”

“Boycott this place,” the post said referring to the brewpub.

Hofbräuhaus corporate did not return calls, but said in its own social media post: “We celebrate all facets of diversity, equity and inclusion for our customers, staff, overall operations, our SouthSide Works neighbors and the greater Pittsburgh community. We take all complaints seriously and are currently investigating those specific to last weekend’s Barrel and Flow Fest. “

“At this time, we are listening and gathering feedback from all levels and perspectives in order to ensure customers, guests of our neighbors and members of our community feel safe and welcome at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh at all times,” the post said.

It asked for anyone with specific information from that day to send them a private message on Facebook.

It was signed by co-owners Jay Lange, Eric Haas and Nicholas Ellison.

On Friday, Hofbrauhaus posted another update on its social pages. It said the employee in question has been suspended and an investigation is underway.