About

chad ritter

Chad Ritter spent eighteen years in the commercial printing industry, winning awards for quality, accuracy, and speed, which led to supervisory roles in training and quality control. That same drive for perfection has served him well over the years as an amateur race car champion, a seven-time marathoner, a cyclist, and a triathlete in his spare time. It also led him to start his own business and now, to develop great tasting beer.

In 2011, Chad began experimenting with home brewing. While perfecting his brewing technique and repertoire, he created a significant network of suppliers and professional brewers. In 2013 he earned the first of his gold medals for brewing. His son was also born in 2013, and Chad stepped away from commercial printing to spend more time with his family and experiment with brewing. Chad served as President of the James River Home Brewers, the oldest continuous homebrewing club in the US, from 2016-17, and has won Gold Medals for his Saison, Pumpkin, and Dry Stout styles. For the past three years, he has been the head brewer at Blind Dog Brewery.

Chad’s wife and son are the two great loves of his life, followed closely by brewing. His commitment to quality and excellence has paid off in various capacities throughout his life and career, and will certainly continue to be demonstrated in his role as head brewer at Hidden Wit.

Andrew & kimberly taylor

Andrew and Kimberly Taylor both bring extensive backgrounds in business management and ownership to their new venture in craft brewing. Andrew worked for 21 years in manufacturing before leaving his career to open their first automotive repair store with his wife Kimberly in 2004 in South Chesterfield, Virginia. They now own and operate three successful locations of their automotive repair business, with a fourth on the horizon.

Both Andrew and Kimberly have always been passionate about not only the success of their business, but also the success of their community. Throughout their years of business ownership, Andrew and Kimberly have overcome numerous obstacles to always see increased sales each year, and showing appreciation for the communities that support their businesses is a top priority to them both.

In 2014 they were presented with the Small Business of the Year award from the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. Kimberly was a founding member of the Women’s Business Council. She also serves on the board of the Virginia Automotive Association as well the Virginia House of Delegates. Andrew serves as board member of Grace Home Ministries, which provides mentorship to teenagers.

brad & Andrea cooper

As owners of Steam Bell Brewery, Brad and Andrea Cooper bring considerable experience and knowledge of the brewing and restaurant industries. After getting his start in the craft beer industry as a volunteer and then part-time employee, Brad is now a recognized industry expert, having been featured on foodnetwork.com and CNBC’s Power Lunch. He is also active in the political scene and has worked with policymakers to reform laws that hinder growth in the craft beer industry.

Andrea’s background includes experience in restaurant management, beer buying and consulting, and wholesale beverage distribution. From sales to craft brand development, special events, and serving as on-site director, she was vital in signing many up-and-coming local companies, including Steam Bell Brewery, for her company, Brown Distributing. She was the company’s first and only female director before stepping away to spend more time with her son and, now, working full-time at Steam Bell.

Brad and Andrea met in 2015 through Brown Distributing, which ultimately led to their marriage in a perfect backyard ceremony in February 2021. They now have two sons, and a dog, who thinks he is a human.

Stephan Parry

With over 40 years of industry experience, Stephan understands not just the day-to-day operational needs of a restaurant, but also the big-picture planning and execution of concepts that turn into successful ventures. Stephan attended James Madison University and began his restaurant career by owning and operating CARS, a college bar in JMU’s hometown of Harrisonburg, VA. He then went on to manage Morton's - The Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. In 1986, he helped build and manage the Occidental Restaurant, which continues to be a high-profile destination restaurant in Washington, D.C. His success led to his hiring as Vice President of Operations for Ruth’s Chris Steak House, overseeing all locations on the East Coast, as well as opening all new locations. From there, he used his wealth of experience and knowledge to start his own management company.

He now owns and operates Parry Restaurant Group. PRG owns and operates a variety of Food and Beverage establishments as well as Boutique Hotels and a Winery. PRG provides construction and operational management as well as consultant and business advisory services. Steve's hospitality industry expertise will enhance Hidden Wit Brewing Company's operations and will provide important support to ensure success.

David Butler

David Butler was a foodie from an early age. Not only was his mother an amazing cook, but David’s grandmother owned and ran an Italian market and deli in Northern Virginia. David, who was born and raised in Richmond, went to Philadelphia after high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and business administration from Drexel University. After Drexel, David went to work at Morton's - The Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. Starting as a Line Cook and Wine Captain, he quickly rose to the position of Assistant General Manager. He helped to open the Richmond Morton’s locations and, there , heard good things about Parry Restaurant Group. He applied and soon was the General Manager of the Old Original Bookbinder’s, a Parry Restaurant.

In 2008, he helped Parry open the first Q Barbeque location. After acquiring an ownership stake, David quickly became the Managing Partner of Q Barbeque Restaurants and Catering. David has over 20 years of experience in multi-unit operations, upstarts, human resources, business finances, and branding and marketing. With extensive culinary, wine and beverage training, David is poised to be an integral part of the Hidden Wit Brewing Company Management Team.