Sugar Creek Brewing is landing at Charlotte airport
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Rendering: Courtesy of Sugar Creek Brewing
Sugar Creek Brewing will open its first location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport this March.
Why it matters: Having a presence at Charlotte's airport allows local businesses to showcase their product to millions of people passing through CLT.
What to expect: The taproom will be in Concourse A near the Wright Brothers exhibit, Gate A22 and Panera Bread. It will be along the giant windows and will be a 939-square-foot spot seating 40 people. It will serve:
- An exclusive "First Flight" pilsner that's only available at CLT.
- Craft cocktails and wine.
- Seasonal and small‐batch beers like "Big O Blood Orange IPA" and "Zeppelin White Ale."
- Sugar Creek Brewing is working with HMSHost, the airport's hospitality manager, on the project.
What they're saying: "It's a faster, beer-forward experience designed for people who care about quality, even when they're on the move," Sugar Creek Brewing co-founder Eric Flanigan said in a statement.
What we're watching: On the opposite end of the airport in Concourse E, Sycamore's former taproom is transitioning to a new dining destination.
What's next: Sugar Creek Brewing bought the entire block that used to house the former Cavendish taproom (207 N Chester St. in Gastonia).
- Sugar Creek Brewing plans to build a $4 million production facility and transform the old Cavendish taproom into a craft barbecue restaurant. The site we will also have a 3,000-square-foot covered beer garden.
- When the move will take place is TBD, CBJ reported, as the brewery's lease is not up in South End until 2027.
- They intend to have multiple locations by 2027, per a brewery spokesperson.
Go deeper: Direct flights from Charlotte
Editor's note: This story was updated with details about Sugar Creek Brewing's Gastonia plans.