History:

In 1995, owner Robert Poitras opened Carolina Brewery's doors on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. A third generation UNC alumnus raised in eastern North Carolina, Poitras' interest in craft beer began while still in college when he traveled to Europe and became enamored with the local customs and flavors.

The following summer spent in Southern California exposed Poitras to the local craft brewery business in the United States. Upon returning home to North Carolina and graduating with honors from UNC Chapel Hill, Poitras searched for a brew master. He found Jon Connolly at the world famous Siebel Institute and together the two men have built Carolina Brewery.