Co-founders Lauryn Wooding and Stone Fentzlaff are preparing to open Sip & Brick, a brick-building café at 81 Broadway Street in Asheville, with a soft opening tentatively planned for mid-July.
The concept is the first business venture for Wooding, 27, and Fentzlaff, 29. According to Wooding, the idea originated with Fentzlaff nearly two years ago after Asheville brick-building store Brickville closed. While building a tiny home, he envisioned a space where people could enjoy a beverage while building in a comfortable, community-focused environment. He later shared the concept with Wooding and Garrett Fentzlaff, and those conversations ultimately led to the creation of Sip & Brick.
“We recognized the need for a space that combined creativity, community, and hospitality,” Wooding told WhatNow Charlotte. “Once it opens, guests will be able to enjoy free-building opportunities and brick kits while choosing from a menu featuring house-made baked goods, sandwiches, charcuterie-style small bites, espresso drinks, craft cocktails, local beers, wine, mocktails, and other beverages.”
The team has documented the buildout process on social media, sharing construction updates and sneak peeks of features such as custom brick-built beer taps. After experiencing permitting delays, renovations are now approximately 90 percent complete, according to Wooding.
Beyond food and drinks, Sip & Brick plans to host build competitions, trivia nights, DJ sets, movie nights, and other community-focused events aimed at creating a welcoming place for guests to connect and unwind.
“While we currently have no formal expansion plans, we are open to exploring additional locations in the future if the concept proves successful,” Wooding said. “For now, our focus remains on establishing Sip & Brick as a unique gathering place and valued community destination.”
