The town of Leland has announced that its first brewery, 7twenty6 Brewing Co., is planned for a 5-acre site on Old Fayetteville Road in what is known as the Gateway District.

The district is an area of town surrounding stretch of Village Road, a little over a mile, that was rezoned in 2011 for the purpose of establishing an urban residential and business district. 
 
Gary Vidmar, economic and community development director for the town of Leland, said in a news release that the addition of a brewery will further economic development, increase property values and generate more jobs.
 
“The craft brewery industry in Wilmington and the entire region has been growing rapidly, but until now, Leland has not been part of the mix,” Vidmar said. “As a result, Leland and Brunswick County residents must travel to Wilmington and surrounding parts to enjoy their favorite brews. We are excited to welcome 7twenty6 Brewing Co. as the town’s first and long-awaited brewery, and another exciting addition to the Gateway District.”
 
Harrington Village and Harrington Square, which broke ground in 2017, were the first major projects to be developed in the Gateway District following the change in zoning. When the build-out is complete, the $45 million mixed-use development on Village Road will include 333 apartment units and 30,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, according to a statement from town officials.
 
The town also plans to construct multi-use paths along Village and Old Fayetteville roads and along Town Hall Drive to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between residential areas and businesses in the Gateway District.
 
7twenty6 partner Chris LaCoe said he has watched Leland’s rapid growth over the past 18 years and believes the town is ready for a brewery.
 
“Whenever I frequent any of the Wilmington breweries, there are always people there who have come in from Leland,” LaCoe said. “With the town’s continued growth, I think it is a perfect place to bring in a nice hang-out spot that is convenient to residents and is family-friendly as well.”
 
Mark Said, another partner in the project, said the 5,000-square-foot brewery will have an “industrial look,” showcasing the brewery’s fermentation and lagering tanks, combined with some farmhouse-style elements, such as a reclaimed wood bar. The main facility will feature indoor multi-sport simulators and an outdoor beer garden with fire pits.
 
Also planned is an adjacent taco stand-style eatery and an outdoor event space with a raised stage to accommodate larger-scale musical performances.
 
7twenty6 Brewing Co. is expected to open in late 2020.