S I M P LY B E S T THE
THOUSANDS OF VOTES WERE CAST ACROSS MORE THAN 60 CATEGORIES IN OUR FOURTH ANNUAL POLL. THESE ARE OUR READERS’ FAVORITES. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
JUST BREW IT BY MATTHEW LARDIE
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f you think that after 14 years the folks at Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro would be content with their success, to just sit on their laurels (or hops, as it were), you’d be dead wrong. The brewery continues to expand with a new look, a renovated outdoor dining area and a brandnew brew to boot. “We took the time during COVID-19 to take a hard look in the mirror,” says owner Robert Poitras. He and his team came away with an idea for a whole rebranding campaign that included introducing a new can design inspired by the Carolina coast, a partnership as the exclusive beer of the North Carolina Coastal Federation (a percentage of sales supports the nonprofit’s mission) and a refit of the outdoor dining patio. Renovations include the installation of a garage door that opens onto a new patio, a boon for the restaurant during
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the pandemic. “Our customers have really enjoyed having the outdoor space,” Robert says. There are plans to expand a second patio out back with an additional bar and another new garage door. The new beer on tap – the Costero Mexican Lager – a 4.5% alcohol-by-volume brew was inspired by coastal summertime drinking and has been so popular it will be offered year-round. With anticipated development in Chatham, Robert and his team broadened their catering operations, including a mobile beer van complete with taps on the side, to serve events like weddings. They continue to partner with local organizations like Chatham Animal Rescue & Education for monthly dog-friendly “Yappy Hour,” and they’re bringing back the annual oyster roast in November. As Robert says, “We’re excited about the Pittsboro growth around us.”
Waitress Cassey Carnes serves Shamar Wilson and his mom, Shamekia Brown, plates packed with Carolina Brewery barbecue, a readers’ favorite.