Cabarrus Brewing Company: Where History, Community, and Craft Beer Come Together

In the heart of Concord, North Carolina, housed within the historic walls of Gibson Mill, sits Cabarrus Brewing Company—a brewery that has become far more than just a place to grab a pint. Since opening in March 2016, CBC has established itself as Cabarrus County's hometown brewery, a community gathering spot, and a destination that celebrates both the area's rich textile heritage and its bright future. With 25,000+ Facebook followers and a 96% recommendation rate, this locally owned craft brewery has become an integral part of the fabric of Cabarrus County.

A Vision Rooted in Community

The story of Cabarrus Brewing Company begins with founder Steve Steinbacher and an eight-member ownership group who shared a vision that went far beyond simply opening another brewery. After regularly visiting The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte starting in 2009, Steinbacher found his interest in owning a brewery reignited. His question was simple but powerful: "Why isn't there something in Cabarrus County?"

Co-founded in 2015 and opened to the public in March 2016, CBC was born from the combination of three distinct desires: first, to create an investment in and with the community in their own backyard; second, to showcase the area's rich history and unique character; and third, to pursue the entire ownership group's passion for craft beer and the sense of community it represents.

The eight-member ownership group includes Steve and Erika Steinbacher (with Steve serving as managing member), Keith and Stacey Griffin, Allen and Sandy Krusell, Mark and Mandy Thompson, John and Cindy Rossitch, Herbie and Tami Hames, Joe and Diane Griffin, and Jason McKnight. As long-term residents of Cabarrus County with varying professional backgrounds, they brought together complementary skills and a shared commitment to making their community the best place to live.

Opening Cabarrus Brewing Company required overcoming significant regulatory hurdles. At the time, Cabarrus County didn't have a single brewery because local ABC rules required establishments serving alcohol without food to operate as private clubs, and Concord zoning prevented private clubs without kitchens. Steinbacher worked closely with the city of Concord, particularly Steve Osborne in the planning department, to change the zoning regulations and make the brewery possible—effectively paving the way for the craft beverage scene that would follow.

Fittingly, the first public event at Cabarrus Brewing Company was a benefit for United Way, setting the tone for what would become a defining characteristic of the business: unwavering commitment to community support.

A Historic Setting with Character

Cabarrus Brewing Company occupies a 15,000 square foot space within Concord's historic Gibson Mill, located at 329 McGill Avenue Northwest. The building once served as the finished goods warehouse for Gibson Manufacturing Company and was a vital part of Cannon Mills Plant 6—a nod to the textile industry that powered the region's economy for over a century.

The brewery's setting honors this industrial heritage while creating a modern, welcoming atmosphere. The 20-foot ceilings and open layout allow guests to view the entire brewing operation through large glass windows. The 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse serves as the heart of the facility, visible from throughout the 5,000 square foot taproom. An open mezzanine level overlooks the entire operation, offering a bird's-eye view into the brewing area below and serving as a space for private events and special functions.

The expansive taproom features an open bar area, comfortable seating arrangements, multiple large TV screens, and ample room for socializing. When weather permits, the outdoor patio space significantly expands the taproom into the great outdoors, complete with a beer garden that hosts live music and community gatherings. The ever-expanding outdoor area with amenities has helped earn CBC recognition as one of the greater Charlotte area's best "destination breweries."

The Beer: Celebrating Local History One Pint at a Time

Cabarrus Brewing Company takes pride in brewing 100% local craft beer on-site, with each beer name paying homage to Cabarrus County's rich and storied history—from textiles and agriculture to mining and motorsports.

Core Beers

CBC maintains four flagship beers always on tap:

Cotton Blonde
An American-style cream ale that's light-bodied, crisp, golden, and refreshing. Cotton celebrates one of North Carolina's most important commodities for over a century and the textile industry that spawned Gibson Mill itself. It's their lightest beer and serves as the ale version of an American pilsner using classic noble hops.

Rocky River IPA
A medium-bodied, copper-colored American IPA where sweet maltiness provides the backbone for aggressive additions of American hops, allowing citrus, floral, and piney flavors to shine through. The beer honors Rocky River, the largest waterway in Cabarrus County, where Scots-Irishman John Rodgers began building his cabin in 1732 near what would eventually become Cabarrus County.

Sew Juicy IPA
A hazy, unfiltered New England-style IPA brewed with pale ale malt, wheat, and flaked oats. Late additions of Citra and Amarillo hops combined with aggressive dry hopping create flavors and aromas of tropical citrus fruits, while wheat and flaked oats give the beer a soft, silky mouthfeel.

Vanilla Coffee Blonde
A smooth, flavorful twist on their Cotton Blonde, infused with vanilla and coffee notes that create a uniquely satisfying drinking experience.

Special Releases & Partnerships

Beyond their core lineup, CBC continuously works on holiday and seasonal flavors, ultra small-batch experimental beers, and special collaborations. They've partnered with UNCC 49ers, the Gem Theatre, and the Cannon Ballers baseball team to create unique brews. Recent offerings have included Irish Cream for St. Patrick's Day, Cherry Lemon Sour Drop, and Fight Like Banks Hoppy Pilsner (benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte).

The brewery also collaborates with other brewers within the industry to create unique creations, embracing the cooperative spirit of the craft beer community.

Commitment to Local Ingredients

In 2018, Cabarrus Brewing became the first brewery to sign a long-term contract with Carolina Malt House in Rowan County, the state's only malt supplier offering 100% Carolina-grown malt. "We're asking our customers to buy local, so we're going to do the same," Steinbacher explained. "Authentically local beer is locally grown, and that's what we're here to offer."

The brewery uses 100% locally grown base malt in all small-batch beers and has increasingly incorporated it into production beers. Brewers Jerod Lanam and head brewer Jason McKnight have even participated in barley harvests, going into the field to see the grain that will become their malt—a farm-to-glass approach that ensures freshness and supports local agriculture.

CBC Kitchen: Elevated Pub Fare

One of the most significant evolutions for Cabarrus Brewing came after COVID-19, when the craft beer industry learned that customers wanted food with their beer. This led to CBC transforming from a brewery to a brewpub with the addition of The CBC Kitchen, serving elevated Southern-style pub fare.

The kitchen offers everything from creative burgers (like the Southern Kitchen Sink Burger featuring a 6-ounce certified Angus beef patty, house-made onion bacon jam, pimento cheese, pork rind crusted fried green tomato, and house-made chow chow on a Challah bun) to shareables, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Guests can enjoy their meals in the taproom, on the patio, or in private event spaces.

CBC has also expanded within Gibson Mill, opening The Depot Deli inside The Depot at Gibson Mill and the Market Bar in the Gibson Mill Market, further establishing their presence within the historic campus.

Events: Where Community Gathers

CBC's commitment to being a community gathering spot is perhaps most evident in their robust events calendar. As one of the first breweries in Cabarrus County to bring regular programming like trivia nights, run clubs, and Mission Mondays to the area, they've set the standard for brewery entertainment.

Weekly Events

Mission Mondays
Every Monday, CBC showcases a local nonprofit organization and donates a portion of that evening's proceeds to the featured cause. This program embodies their commitment to making Cabarrus County the best place to live by supporting the organizations that make a difference.

Trivia Wednesdays
Hosted by KanePunch Comedy's Patrick Price and Joel Reyes, trivia night takes place in the upstairs Mezzanine event space. Teams compete through three rounds of sports, history, and pop culture questions for amazing prizes. The family-friendly format (no bad language, very little innuendo) makes it accessible to all ages, with many teams including members too young to drink who enjoy Coca-Cola while their parents have beer. Registration begins at 7:00 PM and is first-come, first-served.

Yoga Wednesdays
Before trivia kicks off, guests can join a 6:30 PM yoga session for $6, which includes an hour of relaxation and a pint of beer afterward—the perfect way to unwind midweek.

Run Club Thursdays
Both three-mile and five-mile runs kick off at 6:30 PM every Thursday, bringing together fitness enthusiasts and casual runners alike for exercise followed by post-run refreshments.

Special Events & Entertainment

CBC's calendar is packed with diverse entertainment and community activities:

Live Music: Award-winning musicians perform regularly, especially on Saturdays in the outdoor beer garden. Genres range from rock and country to acoustic and indie.
Comedy Shows: Hilarious stand-up comics keep audiences entertained throughout the year.
Oktoberfest: A massive weekend celebration featuring German food, beer specials, live music from bands like the Steubenville Tootlers and Province of Thieves, contests, family activities including rock climbing and face painting, and character meet-and-greets.
Bike Night: Motorcycle rallies that bring together riding enthusiasts.
Charity Bingo: Supporting organizations like the Humane Society.
Pedals and Pints: Charted bicycle courses for cycling enthusiasts.
Beer and Biceps: An upcoming fitness club combining workouts with craft beer.
Seasonal Festivals: Halloween events like the Barktacular (dog costume contest with Carolina Boxer Rescue), Ghostbusters meet-and-greets, and Wednesday Addams character appearances.

The brewery also hosts private events including weddings, corporate gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, and album releases. With four exclusive event venues that can accommodate anywhere from 15 to 600 guests, CBC offers flexible spaces for occasions of all sizes.

Community Impact: More Than Just Beer

What truly sets Cabarrus Brewing Company apart is their genuine investment in making Cabarrus County a better place to live. As Steve Steinbacher puts it, "Whether we are hosting events that benefit our community or serving our beers to support events at other venues, we are invested in making this the best place to live…because it's where we live."

Nonprofit Support

CBC regularly donates funds, time, and event space (free of charge) to nonprofits throughout Cabarrus County. Organizations they've supported include:

The Splashpaw Foundation, Inc.™
Cabarrus County Education Foundation (CCEF)
Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation
Dream on 3
Harrisburg's Bar-Ba-Brew
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte
United Way
Local humane organizations

Animal-Friendly Initiatives

CBC welcomes four-legged companions throughout the brewery and actively supports animal welfare. Sandy Krusell (wife of co-owner Allen Krusell) bakes and sells Brew Bonz—special dog treats made from spent grains created during the brewing process. All proceeds from Brew Bonz sales are donated to local humane organizations, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits animals while reducing waste.

Board Service & Community Leadership

Steve Steinbacher serves on numerous boards across the county, including as current chairperson of the Concord Police Foundation (created in 2021 following officer Jason Shuping's death). His commitment to community leadership extends beyond business operations, demonstrating that CBC's investment in Cabarrus County runs deep.

Former Charlotte TV news anchor Susanna Black, who serves with Steinbacher on the Concord Police Foundation board, describes him as "one of the most talented entrepreneurs I know, and it's through the businesses he grows that he quietly does so much good for the community."

Distribution & Accessibility

While the taproom experience is central to CBC's identity, their beers are also widely available throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. You can find Cabarrus Brewing beers at restaurants, bars, and grocery stores across the region, making it easy to enjoy their craft wherever you are.

The brewery is also a featured stop on Cabarrus County's craft beverage trail, Explore and Pour. Visitors are encouraged to check in using the free mobile pass to earn prizes while exploring the county's growing craft beverage scene.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Services:

Dine-in (taproom and outdoor seating)
The CBC Kitchen (elevated pub fare)
Private event spaces (15-600 guests)
Catering available
In-store pickup
Dog-friendly

Pricing: $$ (moderate pricing)

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Social Media & Staying Connected

Stay up-to-date on events, new beer releases, and special promotions:

Facebook: Cabarrus Brewing Company (25,403 likes, 501 talking about it)
Website: cabarrusbrewing.com (features full events calendar)
Explore & Pour Mobile Pass: Check in to earn prizes

The active Facebook community is the best resource for daily updates, event announcements, and brewery news.

Looking Ahead: Always Moving Forward

"Moving forward means acknowledging how things are changing and acknowledging how things are evolving," Steve Steinbacher explains. "Do it in a constructive and positive way."

This philosophy has guided CBC through nearly a decade of growth and evolution. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 by adding a kitchen, to continuously expanding their outdoor space and event offerings, to opening additional concepts like Towel City Tavern in Kannapolis, the CBC team demonstrates an unwavering commitment to adaptation and improvement.

"Even though we are one of the first breweries to establish itself here, we still work like we just opened yesterday…always putting our customers and our community first," the brewery states—a promise they continue to deliver on daily.

As the craft beer landscape continues to evolve and Cabarrus County continues to grow, Cabarrus Brewing Company remains focused on what matters most: creating quality beer, fostering community connections, supporting worthy causes, and honoring the rich history of the place they call home.

Conclusion: The CBC Difference

At its core, Cabarrus Brewing Company represents what a brewery can be when it's truly rooted in community. It's not just about the beer (though the beer is excellent)—it's about creating a space where neighbors become friends, where local history is celebrated, where nonprofits find support, where musicians and comedians find stages, where runners and yogis and trivia enthusiasts find their tribe.

"We wanted a place that brought people together," Steve Steinbacher said from the beginning. Nearly a decade later, that's exactly what Cabarrus Brewing Company has become—a gathering place that brings people together over quality craft beer, good food, entertaining events, and a shared love for Cabarrus County.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast eager to try their Rocky River IPA, a trivia buff ready to test your knowledge on Wednesday nights, a fitness fan joining the Run Club, or simply someone looking for a welcoming spot to relax with friends and family, Cabarrus Brewing Company offers an experience that's authentically local and genuinely special.

Stop by the historic Gibson Mill, pull up a chair in the taproom or beer garden, order a pint of Cotton Blonde or Sew Juicy IPA, and discover why 96% of guests recommend this Cabarrus County treasure. You'll taste the difference that local makes—and you'll feel the warmth of a community that still believes in gathering together, supporting one another, and celebrating the place they call home.

After all, as CBC reminds us: this is where we live, and we're invested in making it the best place it can be—one pint at a time.