This brewery and pizzeria in Englewood employs adults with disabilities to brew craft beer

On South Broadway in Englewood sits a brewery and pizzeria unlike any other. At first glance, Brewability offers all the makings of a classic neighborhood hangout—craft beer, bubbling pizzas, and a steady calendar of live music and events. But step inside, and you’ll quickly discover that Brewability is about so much more than food and drink. It’s a place built on inclusion, empowerment, and community—where adults with developmental disabilities thrive as staff, and guests of all abilities find a true sense of belonging.

The story began with Tiffany Fixter, a former special education teacher who saw firsthand how difficult it was for her students to find meaningful employment after graduation. In 2016, she decided to change that reality by founding Brewability, a brewery with a mission. “We wanted to shine a light on ability rather than disability,” Tiffany explains. “Everyone has unique skills worth celebrating, and brewing beer felt like the perfect way to blend that message with a tangible community space.” The name itself reflects that mission—Brewability, a blend of craft beer and the belief that everyone has abilities to share.

From the start, Brewability set out to reimagine what a brewpub could be. Accessibility is built into every corner: wheelchair-friendly tables and restrooms, menus available in braille and color coding, adaptive kitchen and bar equipment designed for staff success, and even a sensory area for guests who need a quiet moment. One of the most popular features is the vibrational dance floor, which allows guests who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel the beat during live music nights. It’s not just thoughtful design—it’s a philosophy of making sure everyone, staff and customer alike, feels welcome and supported.

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