In NC, craft beer business anything but flat

With more than 120 breweries in the state, North Carolina holds the title for the largest craft beer industry in the South.

The Lynnwood Grill in Raleigh is one of many restaurants to benefit from the boom. The grill’s brewery addition began with owner Ted Dwyer’s passion for craft beer.

“It’s just a love of craft beer,” he said. “I love craft beer, and I thought it would be a good fit with Lynnwood Grill.”

Brewers in the industry are upbeat about the increased interest in craft beer.

“People that tend to drink it are looking for something adventurous, a little more full-flavored, rather than fizzy yellow beer that’s mass produced,” said Galen Smith, head brewer at Lonerider Brewing Co. in Raleigh.

Bill Gerds, head brewer at Lynnwood Grill, said craft brewers are “really good people” who love to get together and share tips and techniques despite being in a competitive business.

“We’re all partners the way we see it,” Smith said. “We can always call each other up if we need advice, help on something if we need to borrow something.”

With breweries helping one another, revenues and employment are up.

It’s an overflow of good news for the community and brewery owners who hope to quench the public’s thirst for great beer.

“I hope we can just keep exposing people to craft beer, and they can try it here and go check out the other great breweries in Raleigh, and in North Carolina, and the United States for that matter,” Gerds said.