Ballantyne North Carolina Getting Its First Brewery

(Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for MSC Cruises)

No doubt if you drive along 521 in the Ballantyne area, you noticed all the activity and construction. I, myself, wondered what the project might be. It's all part of a growing development known as "The Bowl" at Ballantyne. And, this is where Ballantyne North Carolina is getting its first brewery. According to AXIOS, as part of "Ballantyne Reimagined," Olde Mecklenburg Brewery broke ground on its second location. The location will feature 14,000 square feet of indoor space. In addition, the space plans a 7000 square foot patio and second level balcony overlooking a one acre biergarten. Developers say the space intends to be kid friendly with a family zone and playground. The South Charlotte zip code is really popular with more residents venturing to the suburbs. So, it makes sense that businesses follow the trend of going where the people are. "The Bowl," a walkable mixed use neighborhood plans to focus on culture, food, community and sustainability.

Owned and operated Northwood bought the acreage several years ago for more than $1 billion. And, it's exciting to see the progress in the locale. The "Ballantyne Reimagined" overhaul gives Ballantyne North Carolina residents and visitors easy access to even more spots to enjoy. Of course, with the proximity to I-485, the convenience is great. I, for one, love that it's not too far from where we live. And, the South Carolina line is close as well. So, those of us who live across the line don't have far to go to visit a second location of Old Mecklenburg Brewery. If you wonder exactly when this happens, Ballantyne North Carolina's first brewery is scheduled to open in early 2024.

Top 10 Craft Breweries In North Carolina

Beer is big business in North Carolina. According to Business North Carolina, the Tar Heel State has the tenth most craft breweries in the United States, based on 2021 data. With 364 craft breweries, North Carolina is only one behind Ohio. California has the most, by far, with 931.

Asheville has long been thought of as the beer capital of North Carolina, but that may not be entirely accurate. When ranking the state's craft breweries by self-reported barrels of beer produced in 2021, Charlotte has more in the top ten than any other city. You can see the list below.

North Carolina's 10 Largest Craft Breweries (2021)

10. Lonerider Beer - Raleigh (13,750 barrels)

9. Aviator Brewing - Fuquay-Varina (14,500 barrels)

8. Noda Brewing (North End) - Charlotte (18,408 barrels)

7. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery - Charlotte (21,500 barrels)

6. Hi-Wire Brewing - Charlotte (23,080 barrels)

5. Sycamore Brewing - Charlotte (27,767 barrels)

4. Red Oak Brewery - Whitsett (28,000 barrels)

3. Foothills Brewing - Winston-Salem (29,773 barrels)

2. Made by the Water (Catawba, Oyster City, Palmetto, Faubourg) - Asheville (43,881 barrels)

1. Highland Brewing - Asheville (44,904 barrels)

Ballantyne Beer Local North Carolina The Olde Mecklenburg Brewing

Debbie NanceEditor

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.