What's the deal with Hillman Beer?

Despite receiving two loans from the City of Morganton more than two years ago, the expansion of Hillman Beer’s Morganton operation, seems to be at a standstill.

In May 2024, Hillman admitted that transforming the old Catawba Brewing property was taking longer than expected. He said at the time that the plan was still to build a completely new taproom and improved outdoor space. The renovation would include a full restaurant, similar to Hillman’s Old Fort and Asheville locations. See the related story on Page 12B.

When asked for comment, co-owner Greig Hillman was noncommittal about the future of Hillman at the former Catawba Brewing location on the corner of South Green and Concord streets.

“We’re just working on it right now, don’t really have any new information,” Hillman said on Wednesday, March 26. “We do not really have any updates for you right now.”

What has been described as a temporary location at the former Buff Tire on South Sterling Street remains open.

In 2023, Hillman Beer received a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant Small Business Loan to help purchase restaurant equipment. The City also approved a City of Morganton Main Street Small Business Loan of $75,000. The City, with the help of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, tracks the progress of loan recipients like Hillman Beer.

Assistant Sonja Marston reported in early March that the owners of Hillman were continuing to tackle the Helene flood damage at their locations in Old Fort and Asheville.

The storm impacted more than the physical locations.

In October 2024, employee Alex Hughes organized a GoFundMe to raise funds for the staff and their families.

“Hillman Beer has always been about family — not just the beer we brew, but the incredible people who make it all possible. Our 80-plus staff members have been the heart of Hillman, welcoming every guest with warmth and care, and now, they need your support more than ever,” Hughes wrote.

By the next month, the business had raised $63,195 for the Hillman team.

Hillman in Asheville reopened the taproom on Dec. 12 with the kitchen back in action the following day. In Old Fort, the taproom reopened Oct. 30 followed by the kitchen almost a month later on Nov. 26.