Discover how Hillman Beer transformed Old Fort’s craft scene when they opened their second location in 2020, bringing their award-winning brews and community-focused approach to McDowell County.
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The Story Behind Hillman Beer’s Expansion to Old Fort in 2020
In July 2020, while the world faced unprecedented challenges, the Hillman family was busy writing a new chapter in their brewing story. The family-owned craft brewery, already beloved in Asheville, set their sights on the charming town of Old Fort in McDowell County. This wasn’t just a business expansion—it was a community transformation that brought new life, jobs, and a gathering place to a town ready for revitalization.
From Asheville Success to Old Fort Dreams
When brothers Brad and Greig Hillman, along with Greig’s wife Brandi, opened their original Asheville location in April 2017, they couldn’t have predicted how quickly their pub-style brewery would become a local favorite. Their formula was simple but powerful: create a welcoming space where quality beer and food bring people together.
By 2019, with multiple Great American Beer Festival medals under their belt—including Gold for their ESB and Bronze for Four Fat Baby—the family began looking beyond Asheville. They weren’t chasing trends or seeking to build an empire. Instead, they wanted to bring their community-centered approach to another town that could benefit from their unique brewery experience.
Old Fort, with its rich history and small-town charm, caught their attention. The town was ripe for something new, something that could serve as both an attraction and a community hub. The Hillmans saw potential where others might have seen risk, especially launching during a pandemic.
Creating More Than Just a Second Location
When the doors opened in July 2020, the Old Fort brewery wasn’t simply a carbon copy of the Asheville original. While maintaining their signature pub-style approach, the Hillmans tailored the space to honor Old Fort’s industrial heritage while creating something fresh and inviting.
The new location featured the same commitment to quality that earned them those GABF medals—serving favorites like their classic Kölsch and award-winning ESB alongside new creations like the aptly named Old Fort Original, a gold lager with a malty body and balanced hop character that quickly became a local staple.
The full kitchen continued their tradition of hearty pub fare, with grass-fed beef patty melts and falafel wraps complementing their beer selection perfectly. But what truly set the Old Fort location apart wasn’t just what they served—it was how they served it.
A Community Gathering Space When It Was Needed Most
Opening during the pandemic meant facing unique challenges, but it also meant providing something the community desperately needed: a safe place to connect during isolated times. The Hillmans designed their space with conversation and connection in mind, creating an environment where neighbors could gather responsibly.
Just like in Asheville, staff members at the Old Fort location quickly came to know regular customers by name. The owners remained hands-on, often found behind the bar or in the brewhouse, maintaining that personal touch that larger corporate breweries simply can’t match.
For Old Fort residents, Hillman Beer became more than a place to grab a pint—it became a cornerstone of local identity and pride, a symbol that their town was worthy of investment and attention.
The Ripple Effect on Old Fort
The arrival of Hillman Beer created a ripple effect throughout Old Fort. Tourism increased as craft beer enthusiasts added a new stop to their Western North Carolina brewery tours. Local businesses benefited from increased foot traffic. Perhaps most importantly, the brewery’s success demonstrated that Old Fort could support new ventures, encouraging other entrepreneurs to consider the town for their businesses.
By bringing their family-owned, community-focused approach to brewing to Old Fort, the Hillmans didn’t just expand their business—they helped expand the town’s possibilities.
Come Share a Pint With the Hillman Family
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a curious traveler, or an Old Fort local, there’s a seat waiting for you at Hillman Beer. Stop by to experience their award-winning brews in a setting where pretension is left at the door and genuine connection is always on tap.
The Old Fort location welcomes visitors seven days a week, with the kitchen serving until 9pm and the taproom open until 9pm Sunday through Tuesday and 10pm Wednesday through Saturday. Bring the family, bring your well-behaved dog (on a leash, please), and become part of the continuing story of how one brewery helped transform a town.
