About Us

CAROLINA BREWING COMPANY FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS IN 1995, MAKING IT THE OLDEST ACTIVE BREWERY IN WAKE COUNTY.

1992: Founders Greg Shuck, John Shuck and Joe Zonin lived in Seattle and home-brewed beer in their basement.
1993: Once they fine-tuned their beer recipes, they toured the Southeast looking for a new market to start a craft brewery. They chose Holly Springs, NC.
July 3, 1995: The first kegs of flagship brand Carolina Pale Ale delivered to 42^nd Street Oyster Bar in Raleigh. We marked this date as the brewery’s first “official” anniversary.
Over the next 15 years, Carolina Pale Ale (CPA) becomes a staple in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores around the Triangle.
2011: Mark Heath and Van Smith–long-time fans of CBC and volunteer brewers–join the ranks as partners.
2015: Taproom opens to celebrate 20^th Anniversary as Holly Springs’ Hometown Brewery.
2020: 25th Anniversary of the Brewery
2021: After 26 years of brewing excellence, the founders decide to pass the torch to the next generation of passionate beers lovers and Jason Howard, the new owner, purchases the brewery.
2021: A re-styled outdoor seating area, new logo, and a switch from bottles to cans that will keep your beer fresher longer. Don’t worry- the beer has stayed exactly the same- with new offerings and a larger IPA focus.
2023: We opened our new location in Downtown Wendell NC (5 N Main St). This new taproom location is in the heart of Wendell and offers all of our amazing beer in addition to a large selection of allocated bourbon, speciality cocktails, and full liquor bar.
2024: CBC Wendell wins Outstanding Business in Hospitality. Holly Springs wins Best Brewery in Holly Springs.