Over 15 years ago, Laurie Latham Brandt and her husband Bob had the vision of boosting the economic future of Old Torrance, and opened the Red Car Brewery & Restaurant. They’ve pursued their dream together of bringing good food and great beer to the community and have been actively involved and giving back to the South Bay ever since. Laurie will share more about her journey and the story (and history) of Red Car Brewery at this year’s South Bay Business Mavericks Gala & Grant Awards.

laurie-latham-brandt

Look Who’s Speaking at South Bay Business Mavericks 2016:
Laurie Latham Brandt

Business:
Co-owner, Red Car Brewery & Restaurant

Laurie Latham Brandt is co-owner of the Red Car Brewery & Restaurant. She and her husband Bob purchased a historic building in Old Torrance in 1999, and with redevelopment incentives from the City of Torrance, opened the doors of Red Car Brewery in 2000.

Since the day Red Car opened for business, Laurie has been guided by the desire to create a warm, friendly and unpretentious place for the community to feel at home.  She’s also made it a point to actively involve herself and her business to make the community stronger through charitable giving and volunteerism.

Laurie’s Southern Indiana roots continue to shape her upscale casual menu at Red Car.  Pizza dough and sandwich flatbread is made fresh daily.  Dressings and sauces are made from scratch.  Frozen items purchased only when they can’t be sourced any other way.

Laurie, like all working moms juggles a demanding schedule filled with raising two children, William, a freshman at South High School and her daughter, Paige, now a junior at Colorado State.

Why we believe Laurie is a Maverick:
At a time when others may have avoided starting a business in the Old Town Historic area of Torrance, Laurie and Bob jumped in to help build up their community and followed their dream to open a restaurant. As economic pioneers in an area of Torrance which now boasts close to ten breweries, they helped pave the way and continue to be active stewards of their community.

Being in the restaurant business is filled with numerous challenges — but a business maverick like Laurie continues to seamlessly balance her commitment to her customers and the community, all while honoring South Bay history. Having taken the leap (and risk) to create a long-standing restaurant and brewery, nearly 16 years ago, gives others powerful inspiration and re-ignites that spark of entrepreneurship to keep on going for it!  Laurie’s courage and commitment are some of the qualities that we believe define a business maverick.

Inspiration & Community:
Laurie is a member of the Executive Board for the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and has served as the membership chair for the past 3 years and will soon become Chairwoman 2017-2018. She is an active member of the PTA and received the Honorary Service Award in 2010.  Laurie’s civic involvement culminated in both she and her husband being selected as Citizens of the Year 2014 and her business was recognized by the Torrance Chamber during its Centennial celebration as one of the top 75 influential businesses in the city’s history.

We’re very honored to have Laurie Latham Brandt join us as a panelist at the 2016 South Bay Business Mavericks Gala & Grant Awards on October 19th. You don’t want to miss it!