CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte’s experiencing a taproom boom as breweries continue to push to expand market share. A growing number of breweries are planning second — and even third and fourth taproom locations. And it’s likely more will follow suit.
[ [ALSO READ: A guide to Charlotte-area breweries] ]
“Charlotte is growing at an exponential pace, so why wait? Why not invest and continue to grow Charlotte,” says Phil Buchy, co-founder of Legion Brewing Co. “We’re far from saturated.”
Legion started with a 15-barrel brewery and taproom in Plaza Midwood in 2015. Last year, it spent $3-plus million to add a taproom, restaurant and brewing facility in SouthPark.
Next is a $9 million investment in two new taprooms and brewery locations in the upcoming year.
Further expansion is a necessity, Buchy says.
“We’ve run out of beer,” he says. “We’re basically at the point, we can’t make another drop of beer here (at the Plaza Midwood brewery).”
Legion joins a growing list of breweries looking to grow with additional taprooms. That list includes: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, D9 Brewing, Legal Remedy Brewing Co., Free Range Brewing, Suffolk Punch Brewing. The combined investment will total nearly $23 million, for those that have disclosed financial details.
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Others, such as NoDa Brewing Co. and Wooden Robot Brewery, have already opened their second facilities.
Read this week's CBJ cover story for an in-depth look at how the thirst for market share is driving many of Charlotte's long-standing craft brewers into expansion mode.