Michael Waltrip Brewing Company is planning a massive nationwide expansion, starting with a new taproom in Concord, located at 7731 Gateway Lane NW.
Following a successful NASCAR career, Michael Waltrip has launched his own brewing company and is planning nationwide expansion through franchising, according to Charlotte Business Journal. A grand opening for a new 8,000-square-foot taproom is scheduled for tomorrow. Following this, the company expects to open another two to four locations in Charlotte, with a goal of opening a second taproom here by the end of the year. The company is actively seeking sites between 4,000 and 8,000 square feet.
“I think we’re in a great position to continue the growth, and that’s what I want to do,” Waltrip tells Charlotte Business Journal. “I want to have a taproom here and there and people say, ‘You know I had a good beer in there and a good time.'”
MWB brought Ken McAllister from Elevatus Brands to lead the franchise efforts, which are expected to roll out in July 2023. Once operating, the company hopes to open 100 locations within the next five years. MWB will focus on cities where NASCAR is very popular. Waltrip started to enter the industry before the pandemic and expected to open a small brewpub in Arizona, but the pandemic shifted plans. In 2021 Michael Waltrip Brewing opened its first taproom in Bristol, Virginia.
“We want that business already up and going so we can take and elevate that brand,” McAllister tells Charlotte Business Journal. “We want to upgrade on all the quality, so when people go in, they enjoy the game or enjoy the venue but also enjoy the food,”
When these new locations open, customers can expect plenty of beer options that are a nod to Waltrip’s Daytona 500 wins, such as Bump & Run Classic Wheat Ale, The Thunder Valley Porter, Two-Time Checkered Past Coconut IPA, and the High Banx Hazy IPA. The company plans to feature some taps dedicated to other local breweries. As for food, the taproom will serve a variety of burgers, handhelds, salads, and starters. Some menu items include nachos, pork-belly burnt ends, loaded potatoes, wings, and burgers made with 100% Wagyu beef.
