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Smoky Mountain News
BearWaters Brewing expands to Maggie Valley BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER f you had told BearWaters Brewing founder/co-owner Kevin Sandefur eight years ago that some day he’d be at the helm of two brewery locations in Haywood County, and also play a big role in the economic revitalization of downtown Canton, he’d probably call your bluff. “It’s been quite a long journey, especially when I look back at how scrappy I was then compared to now,” Sandefur chuckled. “And then, with life and experiences and things you do, you become more mature and more settled. You don’t feel like everything’s a fight, you finally become galvanized enough to move forward with a sense of peace and confidence.” In one of the great success stories of regional craft beer, BearWaters Brewing has grown from humble beginnings in a Waynesville storage garage to a highly popular destination in a large warehouse along the Pigeon River in Canton. For the 2019 calendar year, the brewery produced more than 1,200 barrels with around 90,000 patrons coming through the doors. And with its Canton location (aka: BearWaters Brewing – Riverside) running on all cylinders, Sandefur and BearWaters co-owner Art O’Neil decided it was time to expand, which ultimately led to the discovery and acquisition of its new Maggie Valley location, aptly named BearWaters Brewing – Creekside. “It was the right time to add another location and we secured the lease late year,” Sandefur said. “We had looked at spots in Knoxville, Tennessee and North Georgia. But, ironically, we came across this place in Maggie. We had a checklist and it had everything —
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creek in the back, great parking, highway frontage and positive economic indicators.” Formerly The Garrett House, the Soco Road spot offers similar amenities as the Canton location, including backyard seating on nearby Jonathan Creek. Aside from its signature brews and a rotating cast of seasonal ales, BearWaters – Creekside has also teamed up with The Grey Eagle Music Hall & Taqueria, with the iconic Asheville business now bringing its storied reputation to Maggie Valley. “The universe really brought our two businesses together, and this relationship has been pretty special,” Sandefur noted. “They obviously have the entertainment and food side covered, and we’re taking care of the craft beer side.” Sandefur added The Grey Eagle would also be involved in bringing notable live music acts to both Haywood County locations as things progress. And amid upcoming changes to the BearWaters – Riverside location, there are already plans in the works to construct a concert venue in the back of the property. But, even with a whirlwind of recent expansion and decisions soon to be made, Sandefur is solely focused on the “here and now,” of being in the moment and appreciating all of the great things he’s not only built, but also crossed paths with in the process. “With this brewery, it’s kind of like watching your kids grow up, seeing how things develop and take shape,” Sandefur said. “For us, we like watching people enjoy the spaces we’ve created, things we’ve put together where there was nothing before. It feels great to be able to make a positive impact on these communities.”
The new BearWaters Brewing – Creekside location in Maggie Valley. Donated photo
Frog Level Brewing reopens BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER n a highly-anticipated relaunch of a beloved Waynesville business, Frog Level Brewing has finally opened its doors following renovations and relaxed government mandates in the era of the coronavirus. “It’s been so nice to see people come in and see what we’ve changed and what we’ve kept the same, [in terms of] the charm of the brewery,” said Morgan Crisp. Alongside her husband, Travis Crisp, Morgan and her business partners took on Frog Level Brewing in an effort to not only expand the initial brand, but also push ahead with plans for its other brewing line, 7 Clans. Before this recent property purchase, 7 Clans was contract brewed and canned at BearWaters Brewing in Canton. “We’re still keeping the Frog Level brand,
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Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Donated photo and we’ll be rebranding that beer line with potential distribution opportunities we’re looking into,” Morgan said. “The taproom will still be called Frog Level Brewing, with the only real difference now being that the 7 Clans beer line will also be brewed at Frog Level.” A signature feature of Frog Level Brewing, the Richland Creek patio and concert stage area has been repainted and revi-
talized. As well, the restaurant component within the brewery will still be intact, but with more shareable foods rather than full meal offerings. Now up and running, this fresh chapter for Frog Level and 7 Clans Brewing has been a long time coming for the new owners. But, with patience being a virtue, the future of this company is now in good hands.
“We’ve made really small steps and we probably haven’t made the conventional steps that everybody else thinks we should make,” Morgan said. “But, it’s been small steps for both brewery brands, and that works for us and works for our budget. We’ve got a lot of bases covered and we work well together in this business — we’re looking forward to seeing how this place evolves.”
