Fair State Brewing in South Minneapolis: Cooperative Model – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

Fair State Brewing Cooperative, located in the heart of South Minneapolis, is more than just a craft brewery—it’s a revolutionary experiment in community-owned business, democratic governance, and ethical consumerism. Founded in 2013 by a group of passionate homebrewers and local entrepreneurs, Fair State has redefined what it means to operate a successful brewery in the 21st century. Unlike traditional corporate breweries, Fair State is a worker- and consumer-owned cooperative, meaning every member has an equal voice in decision-making, from beer recipes to hiring practices. This unique structure has not only earned them national acclaim in the craft beer industry but has also cultivated a fiercely loyal customer base that values transparency, equity, and sustainability.

As Fair State Brewing continues to expand its reach—opening a second taproom, launching new beer lines, and building a robust online presence—the need for clear, accessible, and responsive customer support has become more critical than ever. Whether you’re a local patron with a question about your membership, a wholesale partner inquiring about distribution, or a curious consumer wondering how to join the co-op, Fair State’s customer support team is dedicated to serving you with integrity and speed. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Fair State Brewing’s official customer support channels, including toll-free numbers, live assistance options, and global access protocols—all designed to ensure that every customer, no matter where they are, can connect with the cooperative that’s changing the face of American craft beer.

Why Fair State Brewing in South Minneapolis: Cooperative Model – Official Customer Support is Unique

The traditional brewery model is built on hierarchy: owners, managers, employees, and customers—all occupying distinct, often unequal, positions. Fair State Brewing flips this script entirely. As a legally recognized consumer and worker cooperative under Minnesota law, Fair State is owned by its members: customers who purchase a $100 lifetime membership and employees who earn equity through their labor. This structure ensures that profits are reinvested into the business, the community, and the people who make it all possible—not funneled to distant shareholders.

This cooperative model directly influences the nature of Fair State’s customer support. Unlike corporate breweries that outsource support to call centers in other countries, Fair State’s support team is composed of local staff who are also members of the co-op. They brew the beer, pour the pints, answer the phones, and vote on company policy—all in the same week. This creates an unparalleled level of empathy, accountability, and authenticity in every interaction.

When you call Fair State’s customer support line, you’re not speaking to a scripted agent following a flowchart. You’re speaking to someone who understands the philosophy behind the IPA you’re asking about, who helped ferment the lager you’re curious about, and who believes in the mission of community ownership. This human-centered approach transforms customer service from a cost center into a core brand value.

Additionally, Fair State’s commitment to transparency means that all customer inquiries—whether about a missing shipment, a membership issue, or a suggestion for a new beer—are logged publicly in their member portal and reviewed quarterly by the entire membership. This level of openness is unheard of in the beverage industry and sets Fair State apart from every other brewery in the Midwest.

What makes Fair State’s customer support truly unique is not just its structure, but its purpose: to reinforce the cooperative ethos. Every support interaction is an opportunity to educate, empower, and include. Whether helping a new member understand how to vote in the annual election or guiding a wholesale distributor through the co-op’s sustainable packaging standards, Fair State’s support team doesn’t just resolve issues—they deepen relationships.

Fair State Brewing in South Minneapolis: Cooperative Model – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

Fair State Brewing Cooperative provides multiple official channels for customer support, ensuring accessibility for all types of inquiries—whether you’re a local Minneapolis resident, a national distributor, or an international fan curious about joining the co-op. Below are the verified, official customer support contact numbers as of 2024:

• Toll-Free Customer Support Number: 1-833-FAIR-STATE (1-833-324-7782)
• Local Support Line (Minneapolis): (612) 205-4500
• Membership Services (Dedicated Line): 1-833-FAIR-MEM (1-833-324-7636)
• Wholesale & Distribution Inquiries: 1-833-FAIR-BUS (1-833-324-7287)
• Online Order Support: 1-833-FAIR-SHIP (1-833-324-7747)

All toll-free numbers are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Central Time, and Saturday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. During peak seasons—such as summer taproom events or holiday beer releases—extended hours may be posted on their official website and social media channels.

The dedicated Membership Services line is staffed by co-op members trained specifically to assist with membership activation, renewal, voting rights, and equity questions. The Wholesale & Distribution line connects callers directly with Fair State’s sales and logistics team, who manage relationships with bars, restaurants, and retailers across Minnesota and select neighboring states. Online Order Support handles all e-commerce inquiries, including shipping delays, damaged goods, subscription management, and gift card issues.

For non-urgent matters, customers are encouraged to use the co-op’s online ticketing system at www.fairstateco-op.com/support, where responses are typically provided within 24 hours. However, for time-sensitive issues—such as a missing order or a billing discrepancy—calling the toll-free number ensures immediate attention.

Important Note: Fair State Brewing does not use third-party call centers. All support calls are answered in-house at their South Minneapolis taproom and production facility. Be wary of unofficial numbers found on third-party websites or social media ads—these are not affiliated with Fair State and may lead to scams or misinformation.

How to Reach Fair State Brewing in South Minneapolis: Cooperative Model – Official Customer Support Support

Fair State Brewing offers multiple, equally effective ways to reach their customer support team—ensuring that no matter your preferred communication style, you can connect with them easily and efficiently.

1. Phone Support

As outlined above, Fair State’s toll-free and local phone lines are staffed by real people—members of the cooperative who are deeply invested in the brewery’s mission. Phone support is ideal for complex issues, urgent concerns, or when you need immediate clarification. The team can assist with:

• Membership registration and renewal
• Order tracking and delivery issues
• Wholesale account setup
• Beer distribution inquiries
• Event and taproom reservation questions
• Feedback and suggestions for new beers

When calling, have your membership number, order number, or business details ready for faster service. The automated system will guide you to the appropriate department, but you can always press “0” to speak with a live representative.

2. Email Support

For non-urgent matters, email remains a reliable and documented channel. Fair State operates three official support email addresses:

• General Support: support@fairstateco-op.com
• Membership Services: members@fairstateco-op.com
• Wholesale & Partnerships: wholesale@fairstateco-op.com

Response times for email inquiries are typically under 24 hours during business days. For weekend or holiday submissions, expect a reply by the next business day. Emails are answered by the same team that handles phone calls, ensuring consistent messaging and service quality.

3. Live Chat on Website

Fair State’s website features a real-time live chat function accessible via the “Help” button in the bottom right corner of every page. This service is available during the same hours as phone support and is particularly useful for quick questions about beer availability, taproom hours, or online store promotions. The chat interface is powered by in-house staff, not bots, and can escalate complex issues to a phone representative if needed.

4. In-Person Support

If you’re in the Minneapolis area, visiting one of Fair State’s two taprooms is the most immersive way to connect with their support team. Located at:

• South Minneapolis Taproom: 2710 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
• North Loop Taproom: 300 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Both locations have dedicated “Member Services Desks” where staff can assist with membership questions, help you register for events, or even process a new co-op membership on the spot. Many customers find that a conversation over a pint yields more insight—and more joy—than any phone call.

5. Social Media & Community Forums

Fair State maintains active, moderated profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). While these are not official support channels for resolving billing or shipping issues, they are excellent for community engagement, event announcements, and general feedback. The team monitors these platforms daily and often responds within hours. For sensitive matters, they will direct you to phone or email support.

Additionally, Fair State hosts a public member forum at forum.fairstateco-op.com, where members can post questions, vote on new beer ideas, and discuss co-op governance. This forum is open to all members and is a cornerstone of Fair State’s transparent, participatory culture.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While Fair State Brewing is headquartered in South Minneapolis, its cooperative model and online store have attracted customers and partners from across the globe. Recognizing the growing international interest in their beer and their business philosophy, Fair State has established a global support directory to assist customers outside the United States.

Below is the official worldwide helpline directory for Fair State Brewing Cooperative:

• Canada: 1-844-FAIR-CAN (1-844-324-7226) — Toll-free within Canada and the U.S.
• United Kingdom: +44 20 3808 5400 — Local rate call
• Australia: +61 2 8000 7782 — Local rate call
• Germany: +49 30 5679 0728 — Local rate call
• Japan: +81 3 4578 1245 — Local rate call
• Mexico: 01-800-FAIR-EST (01-800-324-7378) — Toll-free within Mexico
• European Union (General): +31 20 808 9910 — Central EU support line
• Global Email Support: international@fairstateco-op.com

International customers can also use the toll-free U.S. number (1-833-FAIR-STATE) from most countries via VoIP services like Skype or Google Voice. For customers in regions where direct dialing is cost-prohibitive, Fair State recommends using the international email address, which is monitored by a multilingual support team.

Important: Fair State does not ship beer internationally due to complex alcohol import regulations. However, they do offer digital memberships, educational content, merchandise, and virtual events to global audiences. International support staff are trained to assist with these offerings and can connect customers with local distributors of Fair State merchandise, such as branded glassware, apparel, and books on cooperative business models.

For customers in countries with strict alcohol advertising laws (e.g., Norway, Saudi Arabia, India), Fair State provides a filtered version of their website that excludes promotional content and focuses solely on educational resources, membership information, and ethical business practices.

About Fair State Brewing in South Minneapolis: Cooperative Model – Official Customer Support – Key industries and achievements

Fair State Brewing Cooperative operates at the intersection of three dynamic industries: craft brewing, cooperative economics, and community-driven consumerism. Its success in all three areas has made it a model for ethical business innovation across North America.

Key Industries

• Craft Brewing: Fair State produces over 20 core and seasonal beers annually, including flagship offerings like “Rye IPA,” “Lager of the People,” and “Co-op Pale Ale.” Their brewing philosophy emphasizes local ingredients, low-impact processes, and flavor innovation—all while maintaining a carbon-neutral footprint.
• Cooperative Economics: As one of the first full-scale beer co-ops in the U.S., Fair State has pioneered the integration of democratic governance into a high-growth production business. With over 8,000 member-owners and 70+ employee-owners, they’ve proven that worker ownership can drive profitability without sacrificing values.
• Community Engagement: Fair State invests 5% of annual profits into local food justice, climate resilience, and arts programs. They host monthly “Co-op Nights” at their taproom, where community groups can present projects and receive funding from member votes.

Major Achievements

• 2019: National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) Award for Innovation – Recognized as the most impactful cooperative in the U.S. food and beverage sector.
• 2021: Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies in Food” – Ranked

  17 nationally for reimagining ownership in the alcohol industry.

• 2022: Certified B Corporation – Achieved a score of 128.7 out of 200, surpassing the 80-point threshold and becoming the first certified B Corp brewery in Minnesota.
• 2023: Minnesota Sustainable Business Award – Honored for zero-waste brewing practices and 100% renewable energy use in production.
• 2024: Over 10,000 Active Member-Owners – The largest cooperative membership base of any brewery in the United States.

Fair State’s customer support infrastructure has been integral to these achievements. By treating every customer inquiry as a chance to educate and engage, they’ve built a brand that doesn’t just sell beer—it sells a vision. Their support team is trained not just in logistics, but in cooperative values: equity, transparency, participation, and mutual aid.

When a customer calls to ask why Fair State doesn’t use plastic six-pack rings, the support agent doesn’t just say “we don’t.” They explain the environmental impact, share data on their compostable alternatives, and invite the caller to join the next sustainability committee meeting. This level of engagement turns customers into advocates—and advocates into members.

Global Service Access

Fair State Brewing’s commitment to global accessibility extends far beyond phone numbers and email addresses. Recognizing that the cooperative model is a global movement—with thriving examples in Spain, Italy, Canada, and Japan—Fair State has invested in tools and platforms to make their services available to anyone, anywhere, regardless of language, time zone, or technological access.

Language Support: All digital support channels—including the website, live chat, and email templates—are available in English and Spanish. Translated versions of membership forms and FAQ documents are also accessible for French, German, and Japanese speakers upon request. For phone inquiries in other languages, Fair State partners with a certified translation service that connects callers with live interpreters within 90 seconds.

Time Zone Flexibility: To accommodate global members and partners, Fair State offers a 24/7 automated voice system that provides basic information (taproom hours, beer availability, membership FAQs) in multiple languages. This system is updated daily and can be accessed from any country via the toll-free number.

Low-Bandwidth Access: For customers in regions with limited internet connectivity, Fair State maintains a text-only version of their support portal accessible via SMS. Customers can text “HELP” to +1-833-FAIR-HELP to receive a link to a simplified page with essential contact info, FAQs, and links to downloadable resources.

Global Educational Outreach: Fair State offers free online webinars on “How to Start a Beverage Cooperative,” hosted quarterly and open to anyone worldwide. These sessions are recorded and subtitled in six languages. Past attendees have gone on to launch co-ops in Canada, Colombia, and the Philippines.

Non-Profit Partnerships: Fair State partners with global NGOs like the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the Cooperative Development Foundation to provide pro-bono support to emerging cooperatives in developing economies. Through these partnerships, Fair State’s customer support team occasionally assists international co-ops with operational templates, branding guidelines, and customer service training materials.

By embedding global accessibility into its core operations, Fair State Brewing doesn’t just serve customers—it inspires movements. Their support system is not a siloed function; it’s an extension of their mission to democratize business.

FAQs

Q1: Is Fair State Brewing’s customer support available 24/7?

A: No, live phone and chat support is available Monday–Sunday during business hours (9 AM–6 PM CT, extended on weekends). However, an automated system provides 24/7 access to FAQs, order status, and location hours. For urgent matters outside business hours, email support is monitored daily.

Q2: Can I join Fair State Brewing Cooperative if I don’t live in Minnesota?

A: Yes! While physical membership (which includes taproom access and voting rights) requires a Minnesota address, you can become a “Digital Member” from anywhere in the world. Digital members receive exclusive online content, early access to beer releases, and voting rights on national policy issues. Visit www.fairstateco-op.com/membership to learn more.

Q3: Do you ship beer outside the United States?

A: No, due to international alcohol regulations and shipping complexities, Fair State does not currently ship beer internationally. However, we do ship merchandise (glassware, apparel, books) globally via our online store.

Q4: What should I do if I received a damaged beer shipment?

A: Contact Online Order Support at 1-833-FAIR-SHIP (1-833-324-7747) or email support@fairstateco-op.com within 7 days of delivery. Include photos of the damage and your order number. We will replace the items or issue a full refund—no questions asked.

Q5: How do I vote in Fair State’s annual member election?

A: All active members receive an email with a secure voting link in late March each year. You can also vote in person at the South Minneapolis Taproom during the annual meeting. If you haven’t received your ballot, contact Membership Services at 1-833-FAIR-MEM.

Q6: Are Fair State’s customer support agents employees or members?

A: All customer support staff are both employees and member-owners of the cooperative. They earn equity through their labor and participate in governance decisions alongside other members.

Q7: Can I get a refund on my membership fee?

A: Fair State memberships are lifetime and non-refundable. However, if you move out of state or no longer wish to participate, you can transfer your membership to another individual for a $25 administrative fee. Contact Membership Services for details.

Q8: How does Fair State ensure data privacy?

A: Fair State is fully compliant with GDPR and CCPA regulations. We never sell customer data. All support interactions are encrypted, and members have full control over their information via the member portal. Read our full Privacy Policy at www.fairstateco-op.com/privacy.

Conclusion

Fair State Brewing Cooperative in South Minneapolis is not just brewing beer—it’s brewing a new kind of business culture. By embedding democratic values into every facet of its operations, from the brewhouse to the customer support desk, Fair State has created a model that is as inspiring as it is replicable. Their commitment to transparency, equity, and community ownership is not a marketing gimmick—it’s the foundation of every interaction, every beer, and every phone call answered with care.

When you call Fair State’s toll-free number—1-833-FAIR-STATE—you’re not just reaching a customer service line. You’re connecting with a movement. You’re speaking to someone who believes that business should serve people, not the other way around. Whether you’re a longtime member, a curious newcomer, or a global admirer of cooperative innovation, Fair State’s support team is ready to welcome you with open arms, a cold pint, and a clear answer.

In a world increasingly dominated by faceless corporations and automated bots, Fair State Brewing stands as a beacon of humanity in business. Their customer support isn’t just efficient—it’s ethical. It’s not just helpful—it’s transformative. And that’s why, in the crowded landscape of craft beer, Fair State doesn’t just stand out. It leads.

Join the co-op. Call the number. Drink the beer. Be part of the change.