The Hop Yard, a Raleigh-based bottle shop and bar, has opened a second location, at 108 Grace St. in Wilmington in the space previously occupied by Bombers Beverage Co.

Owners Susan Barnes and her husband, Christian Stoner, along with partner Lance Rogers, opened their first location in North Raleigh about six years ago.

Barnes and Stoner own property in Wilmington and have been contemplating opening a location here for some time. When Bombers became available last year, despite concerns over opening a new business during a global pandemic, the team decided to move forward with a second shop.

“For us it seemed like the right time,” Barnes said. “It’s a beautiful space and everything aligned.”

Barnes said she and her partners are trusting in the fact that they have a strong business model and the consistent growth and development Wilmington has experienced over the last several years.

“Wilmington is building like crazy so we feel this is the right decision for the long term,” Barnes said.

The Hop Yard features 24 taps, with four reserved for wine. It currently has over 200 beers available in bottles and cans, and expects that to double in the coming weeks.

Barnes said she and her partners plan to have a wide range of styles available and to promote small, lesser-known breweries.

They also plan to bring in beer from breweries they have worked with in the Triangle and Rocky Mount areas, as well as local Wilmington breweries. There will be alcoholic kombucha, ciders and wine by the bottle, as well as non-alcoholic selections.

Barnes is currently studying to be a sommelier and said she looks forward to stocking the shelves with some of her favorite new wines.

“I’m very passionate about wine and I realize craft beer lovers have friends who don’t necessarily love craft beer,” Barnes said. “We want to carry something for everyone.”

The Hop Yard owners worked with Whiskey Run Customs of Wilmington to create a new bar for the space and will have local artwork on display for sale.

“It’s important to us to make connections within the community and help promote other small businesses,” Barnes said.

While The Hop Yard will not serve food, it will have chips and bar snacks available and customers are welcome to bring in takeout from area restaurants. People who who may be waiting for tables at nearby restaurants are encouraged to visit The Hop Yard for a beer while they wait.

At the start of the pandemic, The Hop Yard implemented an online ordering system with curbside pickup and delivery, which Barnes said has worked very well at the Raleigh location. It is currently offering online ordering and curbside pickup here in Wilmington, with possible delivery options to follow.

The current draft list, as well as online shopping can be found online.

The Hop Yard is dog and family friendly, and is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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