Bill’s Brewing Company, the newest branch of the Musser family of businesses in Wilmington, which operates Bill’s Front Porch, Capt’n Bills Backyard Grill, Musser’s Catering and Bill’s Brew Food Truck, will expand brewing operations at its new headquarters at 107 Cinema Drive.
 
The building, which the family recently purchased, sits behind Sonic, and will provide 10,000 square feet of space for an expanded brewing system as well as a taproom and office space.
 
Co-owner Donnie Stone said the family plans to apply for an ABC license that would allow access to Capt’n Bills via a walkway connecting the two facilities.
 
Stone said that Bill’s Brewing has outgrown the seven-barrel system they began brewing on at Bill’s Front Porch in 2016. Between supplying the restaurant and accounts in the Cape Fear and Triangle regions, Stone said they have had trouble meeting the growing demand.
 
The new system will include a 20-barrel system with 20- and 40-barrel fermenters. Head brewer Jim Deaton, who has been with the brewery since its inception, will lead the operation. According to Stone, the new system will quadruple the amount of beer currently being brewed, allowing for distribution to additional markets across the state.

Deaton and his team will use the current seven-barrel system for smaller batches and experimental brews, as well as for collaborations with other area brewers. The brewery will also be building up its barrel-aging program.
 
“This will open up a world of possibilities as far as collaboration as well as giving us the luxury of being able to play a little more,” Stone said.
 
Stone said construction on the new system will begin next April, and brewing is expected to ramp up by next fall. In the meantime, guests of Bill’s Front Porch can expect the release of the much-anticipated Christmas Pants winter warmer next week, as well as a barrel aged breakfast stout.
 
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