Community rallies around Heist Brewery after fire forces closure

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Wednesday morning, employees at Heist Brewery loaded up kegs of beer to transport to their other location after a fire ripped through the NoDa establishment’s kitchen the night before.

Around 7 p.m. Tuesday night, firefighters were in and out of the North Davidson Street building and on the roof putting out the flames.

“It’s one of those surreal things. It’s like, really? No, this can’t be happening,” said Heist General Manager Spencer Farrell. He got that phone call every manager fears.

“Luckily enough, nobody was injured,” he said. “The management staff, and the staff, they got everybody out, so there were no injuries of any kind, so that was great. Nobody got hurt.”

Just over 12 hours later, charred pieces debris were on the ground and a slight smell of smoke in the air.

Farrell will have to wait to hear from inspectors on the exact cause of the fire. For now, the brewery’s management is taking things day by day. They hired a restoration company to clear up some of the damage, and already started a claim with their insurance company.

Meanwhile, those who hadn’t yet heard about the fire showed up to Heist or its attached neighbor Benny Pennello’s for lunch only to find out both were closed.

“I was actually about to go in here on a date,” said Tavius Bernard. “I was not expecting this!”

Heist Brewery was here really before NoDa was NoDa, opening its doors in 2012. Now the community is showing its support.

“I’ve gotten numerous text messages from people just crawling out of the woodwork and saying, ‘Is everybody OK?’ and that’s been great!” said Farrell.

The brewery will remain closed for the foreseeable future, but Farrell is hoping when they do open back up, the community will continue to show the love.

“I wish nothing but the best for them,” said Bernard. “I hate that that happened.”

The brewery’s other location near Camp North End remains open.

Farrell says he’s not sure yet how long it will take to repair the damages and get back up and running. He said they are committed to employing their staff while they remain closed.

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