When her husband, John, opted for a low-key celebration for his promotion to the rank of Army lieutenant colonel last month, Nicole Burkhart had no doubt where she would host the party – Southern Pines Brewing Company.
“We absolutely love it,” she said. “We go there every chance we get.” And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even care for beer.
Then again, Micah Niebauer, co-founder of Southern Pines Brewing Company, served as best man in the Burkharts’ wedding. He and John have a close friendship forged over years in the military and through three deployments together. In fact, it was after the last of those deployments that a gift from John’s father, the late John Burkhardt Jr., first sparked Niebauer’s talents as a brewmaster.
“My father-in-law bought them a home brewing kit,” Nicole Burkhart said. “I remember we’d go over to their house, and the guys would go upstairs and brew.”
So it is that the Burkharts, who are Fayetteville residents, are among those who are most excited over the news that Southern Pines Brewing Company soon will have a Fayetteville location. Niebauer recently closed on a site in downtown Fayetteville at 123 Hay Street. The previous occupants, The Shops at 123 Hay, are now known as Blue Bike Antique and Gifts and have moved to Raeford Road.
“He’s been telling us about it for a long time,” Nicole Burkhart said. “We’re so excited. He’s the most down-to-earth guy, a super great guy and a good, solid person. He’s very upbeat and positive.”
Niebauer and two other veterans opened the first Southern Pines Brewing Company in 2014. He now has two locations in Southern Pines, and his craft beers can be found across the state.
The building on Hay Street is undergoing renovations, so no opening date has been set. But like at Neibauer’s other locations, plans include food trucks and family activities.
Kim Hasty can be reached at khasty@cityviewnc.com.
