Discover how Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location embraces farm-to-table principles, sourcing local ingredients to create authentic pub-style comfort food that complements their award-winning craft beers.
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Local Harvest: The Farm-to-Table Philosophy Driving Hillman Beer Old Fort

Nestled in the heart of McDowell County, Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location isn’t just another craft brewery. Since opening in July 2020, this family-owned establishment has embraced the rich agricultural bounty of Western North Carolina, creating a genuine farm-to-table experience that perfectly complements their award-winning brews. The Hillman family—brothers Brad and Greig along with Greig’s wife Brandi—have woven local sourcing into the fabric of their pub-style brewery, reflecting their commitment to community, quality, and authentic connection. This approach isn’t about following trends; it’s about honoring relationships with local producers and delivering honest, delicious food alongside exceptional craft beer.

Roots in Community: The Foundation of Hillman’s Farm-to-Table Approach

The farm-to-table philosophy at Hillman Beer Old Fort runs deeper than a marketing strategy. It’s an extension of the family’s values and their understanding of what makes a true community gathering space. When the Hillmans expanded from their original Asheville location to Old Fort, they recognized the opportunity to further deepen their connection to local agriculture.

Local partnerships form the cornerstone of Hillman’s kitchen operations. The grass-fed beef in their popular patty melts comes from nearby family farms, supporting ethical ranching practices while delivering superior flavor. Seasonal vegetables that accompany hearty pub dishes are harvested from small farms within a short drive of the brewery, often picked just days before they reach your plate.

This commitment to local sourcing isn’t just good for the community—it creates a dining experience that complements Hillman’s thoughtfully crafted beers. The same attention to quality and authenticity that earned their ESB a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival extends to every aspect of their food menu.

From Field to Fork: How Local Ingredients Shape the Menu

The kitchen at Hillman Beer Old Fort operates with the seasons, adapting their comfort food classics to showcase the best local ingredients available throughout the year. This responsiveness to seasonal harvests creates a dynamic menu that remains true to their pub-style roots while celebrating local abundance.

Fresh greens from nearby farms provide the foundation for salads that pair perfectly with lighter offerings like their Kölsch or Summer Crush. When tomatoes reach their peak ripeness in summer months, they transform simple dishes with their vibrant flavor. Fall brings hearty root vegetables that complement fuller-bodied beers like their award-winning ESB or Mommabeer Brown.

The kitchen team works closely with farmers to plan menus around upcoming harvests, sometimes creating special dishes to highlight exceptional local crops. This collaborative relationship benefits everyone: farmers gain reliable partners for their produce, the brewery offers fresher, more flavorful food, and guests enjoy meals that truly reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Sustainability Beyond Sourcing

The farm-to-table philosophy at Hillman Beer extends beyond ingredient sourcing. The brewery implements numerous practices to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Kitchen scraps become compost that returns to local farms, creating a closed-loop system that nurtures future harvests.

The spent grain from the brewing process—rich in protein and fiber—doesn’t go to waste either. It’s collected by area farmers who use it as nutritious feed for livestock, another example of how Hillman creates meaningful partnerships within the local agricultural community.

These sustainability efforts align perfectly with the Hillman family’s approach to business: thoughtful, community-minded, and focused on building lasting relationships rather than chasing trends.

Experience the Harvest at Hillman

Ready to taste the difference that local sourcing makes? Visit Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location to experience their farm-to-table philosophy firsthand. Pair their award-winning craft beers with pub classics elevated by the freshest local ingredients. From their grass-fed beef patty melts to seasonal vegetable specials, every dish tells the story of Western North Carolina’s agricultural abundance.

The kitchen serves until 9pm daily, with the taproom remaining open until 9pm Sunday through Tuesday and 10pm Wednesday through Saturday. Bring your family—including well-behaved, leashed dogs—and discover why Hillman Beer has become a beloved community gathering place where quality food and exceptional beer bring people together.