Topsail Brewing Company is coming in summer 2022.
In a few short months, a trip to Onslow County, Sneads Ferry or Topsail Island could also include a stop for a delicious craft beer at Topsail Brewing Company.
Slated to open in summer 2022, the much-anticipated brewery will treat visitors to a solid lineup of IPAs, wheat/Hefeweizen, sours, dark porters, stouts and seasonal offerings. And at least one tap will always be pouring an easy-drinking, light Czeck Pilsner, says Topsail Brewing Company partner Rebekah Pearson, as this was a specific request from the two other business partners — her dad, Rick Bumgardner, and grandfather, Peter Matz.
Topsail Brewing Company will offer a welcoming indoor space, outdoor activities, plenty of places to sit back and relax, specialty food offerings, community events and more.
The brewery has long been a dream of Matz and his son-in-law, Bumgardner, who opened Rick’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Sneads Ferry 19 years ago. Even then they knew they eventually wanted to build something on the undeveloped portion of their property.
“My brother brought up the idea of a brewery about 10 years ago, but since craft beer was not a huge commodity then, we waited,” Pearson says.
Two years ago, while sipping beers at Rick’s, Pearson brought up the idea of a brewery again. This time it was a go. “This year we are lucky enough to move forward with our plans,” she says.
Their brewery dream finally in motion, daughter, dad and grandfather got to work, visiting multiple breweries near and far to learn all they could from brewers and owners.
“The brewing process is hands on and fun,” Pearson says. “We look forward to offering something we can create locally and specifically for our community.”
Matz and family have owned property on the island since the 1980s. Matz built a house on Topsail in 1996, and it’s where his growing family would gather for summer vacations and get togethers. In 2001 Matz and Bumgardner started Alliance Construction, a commercial and residential building company. That same year Bumgardner, his wife, Linda (“the heart of Rick’s Restaurant”), and their five children moved to the island.
As the area continued to grow, the two men saw a need for a restaurant and sports bar and opened Rick’s Restaurant in 2003.
“Sneads Ferry and Topsail Island have been part of our family’s life for many years, and we are excited to add to the growth of the community and provide a new business for our customer friends to enjoy,” Pearson says.
Topsail Brewing is behind Rick’s. Patrons will find a full beer yard with swings, fire pits, large-screen TVs and mini putt-putt holes. Construction plans include making optimal use of the property housing Rick’s and Topsail Brewing Company.
“We plan to build a nature park and trail between Rick’s and Topsail Brewing so walking between the two is enjoyable and safe,” Pearson says.
Rick’s is known for its steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and sandwiches, and patrons will be able to order from Rick’s and have their favorite meal delivered straight to the brewery. Topsail Brewing Company will also feature a specialty menu.
“We are so excited to cater to the Topsail Island and Sneads Ferry area with a comfortable first-class brewery where everyone feels welcome,” Rebekah says. “Our community has been amazing with sharing the excitement and expectations of us opening our doors this year.”
For more information visit topsailbrewingco.com.
