It’s been a three-year journey, but Wilmington Brewing Co.’s new event space at 800 S. Kerr Ave. has received its final permit and has opened for business.

Owners John and Michelle Savard held a soft opening last week in the roughly 5,000-square-foot space that opens on one side to a deck running the length of the building. Seating on this porch overlooks a wooded area with a stream.
 
The sleek interior contains a bar stocked with 15 of the company’s brews and a small shop with company-branded merchandise. Patrons can sit at tables or in a corner conversation area furnished with sofas and chairs. Shuffle bowling and foosball games are available. The Venue, as it’s called, can accommodate more than 200 people, according to Michelle Savard. The new parking lot has 56 spaces.
 
While The Venue is designed for special events, it will serve an additional purpose for the next year or so, she said.
 
“We’re going to use it as our taproom while our old taproom next door is renovated,” she said. “This will give us a chance to love on our old business space.”
 
Beer-making supplies and equipment will continue to be sold in the original building.
 
The Savards (shown left with their daughters) launched Wilmington Brewing Co. in 2012. It opened originally in the space at 4405A Wrightsville Ave. that’s now occupied by Hey! Beer Bottle Shop before moving to its current location.
 
There are plans for food trucks to stop at The Venue each week from Wednesday through Sunday. The lineup through Nov. 21 consists of the Chrome Gnome, Mommiez Food Truck, 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine, Cheesesteak Hustle and Papadom’s Singing Sandwich Truck. More information on future food offerings can be found here.