What began as a passion project has become one of Golden’s most beloved local businesses. Co-founders Kent Donaldson and Mark Nagao launched Whitetooth Brewing in 2016, and despite the pressures facing craft breweries across Canada — rising costs, shrinking consumer spending, and distribution challenges — they’ve found creative ways to adapt and push forward.
Rather than rely on outside logistics, the team took matters into their own hands, purchasing a delivery van and partnering with another brewery to manage regional distribution. That same self-reliant spirit carried through their operations, bringing canning, labelling, and packaging all in-house.
Support from Columbia Basin Trust, including financing and business advisory services, helped fuel the growth. Since 2021, revenue has climbed 46%, the team has grown to 17 people, and the taproom has doubled in size to welcome up to 100 guests.
Whitetooth Brewing is a strong example of what’s possible when a local business is given the right support to grow on its own terms — right here in Golden.
