Staff
Frank Urankar
President
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, I made the move to the Mid-South in 2008 and now call Arlington, just outside of Memphis, home. I'm a retired professional wrestler, a current firefighter, and a passionate beer enthusiast.
As of August 2025, my beer journey has taken me to breweries in 75 U.S. cities (plus Washington, D.C.), spanning 19 states. Internationally, I’ve explored breweries in 4 non-U.S. cities, across 5 countries — the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Australia — and on 2 continents: North America and Oceania.
And I’m just getting started.
My goal is to continue traveling the globe, discovering new breweries, learning more about beer, and connecting with fellow beer lovers everywhere.
Come join the adventure — Shall You? Cheers! 🍻
Find me on Untappd: BlackhammerOhio
ANDe Demetriou
Vice President
As a co-founder of the Memphis Beer Drinkers with Christopher Mantia, I'm so proud of the community we’ve built. For me, there’s nothing better than capping off a long day of kayaking with a cold pint from one of our amazing local breweries. I believe that great beer is best enjoyed with great people, and I'm always looking to connect with others who share a love for both beer and outdoor adventures.
Joe Lay
Webmaster
I was born and raised in Memphis and have lived in Olive Branch, just outside Memphis, since 1998. Most people in the group know me from my time as the Beer Manager at Mississippi Ale House and/or co-founder of Friday Cuvée Club, a now defunct weekly beer share. So far, I've visited breweries in 35 cities in 15 states to pursue my appreciation of craft beer. Cheers!
Ganesh Prasad Nayak
Master of Ceremonies
Craft beer enthusiast originally from India, I moved to the US in 2014 and settled in Colorado - the state of craft beer - until 2022, immersing myself in its vibrant brewery scene. Since then, I've explored 28 states, savoring unique brews from local taprooms and iconic breweries. Passionate about IPAs, rich stouts, and crips lagers, I celebrate the art of brewing and the stories behind every pint. Cheers! 🍻
Raksha Kamath
Media Manager
From India to the US, one pint at a time. My beer journey began with the bright, tangy intrigue of sour ales, evolved into the comforting depth of stouts, and has now found a true passion in the lush, juicy world of hazy IPAs. I enjoy capturing the moments—each pour, each place, each shared toast—as part of a story still unfolding.
Melissa Urankar
Advisor
Born and raised in Virginia, I became a fan of beer while living in the DC Metro area frequenting the Brickskeller and Rock Bottom Brewery. My love of sampling started with my first flight at Goose Island: 21 beers including “Second Hand Smoked” which tasted like licking an ashtray – made to spec, but no thanks! Adventures in Portland, OR fostered my love of the community around beer drinking. A year in Germany was my last stop before moving to Memphis; I had to return for a visit 2 years later to make it to Oktoberfest. Memphis has been my home since 2012 and I have loved watching the growth of breweries in our little corner of Tennessee. My favorite style of beers is a 1-ounce pour. No IPAs!
Arron DeShazo
Specialist
Born in south Alabama and raised across multiple states, I've been a wanderer since I was young. Traveling the country and visiting breweries has become a passion of mine. While I love beer from across the world, especially rare vintage beers, I am passionate about the local beer scene in the mid-south. You can find me frequenting breweries from all over the mid-south, but especially in Memphis. A stout man by heart, I also enjoy crazy hop varietals in hazy style IPAs as well as crazy funky sours. Look for me at future events, I'm always happy to shake a hand and share a beer.
Damron Simpson
Social Media Manager
Born and raised in the Memphis area, I've spent years following the craft beer world, and it’s been my delight to watch our local scene expand and grow into what it is now. Nothing beats a pint (or two) with the MBD family, so come say hi next time I'm at my normal hangouts: Memphis Filling Station or Flyway Brewing.
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Meet Christopher Mantia, the founder of Memphis Beer Drinkers. None of this would be here without his vision, so raise a glass to C-pher and click the link to see how this all started!