There’s a new name to add to the list of breweries now operating in Wilmington following Ironclad Brewery’s soft opening last weekend. 

Ironclad is housed in a 90-year-old building at 115 N. Second St. CEO Ted Coughlin teamed up with property owner Don Lashley to lay out its framework. Throughout its history the building has served as a funeral home, a general store, a car dealership and an auto repair shop. All of the plumbing and electric systems had to be replaced but the interior brick walls and roof were kept intact. Original wood from the second story of the building was refinished and reused to make the stairs and other furnishings. Ironclad Brewery utilized the services of more than 30 Wilmington area companies to restore the historic downtown Wilmington building during the past nine months, according to Coughlin.

Coughlin also credits the City of Wilmington’s Brewery Initiative, adopted in 2014, with helping him to open a downtown brewery.

“We could not have made this progress without the efforts taken by the City of Wilmington staff,” said Coughlin. “They took the initiative to learn how craft breweries have improved the business climates of many cities across the country. These breweries are investing to revamp areas within cities where no other businesses would invest. Craft brewers have gained a reputation of being community oriented, socially responsible and willing to promote the local economy."

The nearly 11,000-square-foot space has an occupancy of 409 and can seat about 150 people. There are bars on both floors, housing 56 taps between them. There are beers from all across North Carolina as well as a few from neighboring states. The upstairs bar specializes in high gravity beers, which typically have higher percentage of alcohol by volume. Ironclad is serving only beer and wine, but a full liquor bar will be available in the near future, as will a larger selection of the company's own brews.

Ironclad is currently serving a Fish Tale Pale Ale and a White Squall Brown Ale. The brewery has six additional beers in production. While there aren’t any plans to serve food, according to assistant brewer Lydia Berzonski, there are many menus available from nearby restaurants that are willing to deliver.  

“This weekend’s soft opening went really well,” said Berzonski. “We had a great turnout and had so much fun.”

A grand opening is planned for the spring, according to Berzonski, and details will be posted on the brewery’s social media sites.

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