Surf City Brewing opened Oct. 13

Clint Smith, Brian Hemenway, and Reynaldo Gomez opened Surf City Brewing on Friday, Oct. 13. It’s not an unlucky thing for the community.

The veteran-owned and operated brewery calls this area home and in 2019 they developed a business plan to bring high-quality beer in a community-friendly atmosphere. 

“This is home,” said Rey. “We’re engaged with the community.”

“We don’t view this as a bar,” added Brian. “This is a gathering place. A place to sit and have a beer with friends.”

As an example of connecting the community, Surf City Brewing Company hosted Yoga and Beer for a Cause on Oct. 14. Proceeds benefit a charity organization.

Clint, Rey, and Brian met through a running club more than five years ago. They have participated in 10 runs since 2019. From their friendship and love of craft brews, they developed the idea of establishing Surf City Brewing Company.

Clint remembers seeing the Build to Suite sign on the property at 400 Alston Blvd. Extension.

“We talked with the builder, gave him our requests, and we worked through with a few modifications,” said Clint. “Having a patio with picnic tables was always in the plans.”

While all three friends enjoy craft beers, Clint has been homebrewing since 2008.

“We offer all quality brews,” said Clint. “I like to brew a variety of beers.”

The menu includes Satha Farrige, Beachtober Fest, Yada Yada, Porter’s Porter, Wave Catcher, How the Westie was 1, Cash Me Outside, and Prohibition Ale 1908. The brews range in flavor.

Clint, the CEO and Head Brewer, said his favorite brew is How the Westie was 1. It has a California flair to it. Rey, the CFO and co-owner, likes Cash Me Outside, a blonde ale. Brian, the COO and general manager, said he favors Prohibition Ale 1908.

“Our hallmark is our quality,” adds Clint.

Pretzels are the only food sold by Surf City Brewing Company, but the trio views that as an opportunity to work with neighboring restaurants.

“We’ve spoken with the Italian Bistro and Topsea Wingz,” Rey said. “With QR Codes, guests can order from their table.”

The trio is inviting food trucks to frequent the property as well.

“We are working to add Brunch to our offerings,” added Rey. “We have champagne on tap, and we can serve Mimosas, so we are inviting food trucks to serve brunch items.”

Surf City Brewing Company, located at 400 Alston Blvd. Extension, Suite A, is open Mondays through Thursdays 12 – 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

To learn more about Surf City Brewing Company visit their website at www.surfcitybrewingcompany.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook. The telephone number is 910-900-PINT.