Legion Brewing owner talks 10 years in business — and what's next
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Ten years ago, Phil Buchy opened Plaza Midwood's first brewery.
Why it matters: Legion Brewing continues to be a staple in Charlotte's craft beer scene, now operating four successful locations and a wholesale business that is growing "off the charts" since launching statewide distribution a year and a half ago.
- We recently sat down with Buchy to talk pretzelnomics (that's another story), try some menu items and hear what's next for Legion.
What's the story behind the name?
Buchy actually drafted his business plan under a different name. But he had a lot of "swings and misses" starting in 2002. All the way up to 2015, he says his "legion" of friends and family encouraged him not to give up.
- "I changed the name from what it was to Legion to honor them for staying behind me," he said.
- The dogwood flower in Legion's logo pays homage to the state flower of North Carolina — and Virginia, where Buchy is from.
- The crossed arrows represent friendship.
What's good here?
Buchy says he would get to know a person before giving recs. But if he had to choose — assuming you've tried (or will try) Juicy Jay — he'd recommend:
- Sláinte, his favorite beer, an Irish stout and World Beer Cup champ.
- Or the Supernova. If you like beer, it tastes great. And if you don't like beer — it tastes great. Buchy compares the light sour to Sauvignon Blanc.
For food, you can't go wrong. Legion is known for offering more elevated cuisine than your typical brewery. Executive chef Gene Briggs comes from fine dining, previously helming the now-closed Blue restaurant in Uptown.
- During my visit, Briggs recommended the Pho Mi Dip ($17) and Crispy Shrimp Dumplings ($10) — both arrived with flavorful broth for dipping.
What's next?
Legion is working on its secret fifth location, somewhere south. Buchy teases that it will be a big spot.
- "We're almost across the finish line. It's not official until the ink is dry," Buchy says. "We're really excited about it."
- Legion will start its 10th anniversary celebrations with an event in July.
