It wasn’t a giant leap for Mannkind Brewing owners Jeremy and Cassie Mann to recognize a prime business opportunity when they moved to the Leland area two years ago.
 
Jeremy Mann said he and his wife, who are home brewers and beer enthusiasts, saw the lack of options on their side of the bridge and knew they could be part of the solution.
 
“We noticed there was a vacuum over here in Leland for breweries, so we put the pedal to the floor and we’re getting close,” Mann said.
 
Owning a brewery has long been a dream for the couple, Mann said, and they have been working for more than a year to bring this dream to life. Mannkind Brewing secured a spot in a new business park off Ploof Road, where a freshly erected building shell is now complete. The next steps for the couple involve finishing the interior and décor, which Mann said is his wife’s forte, and finalizing the plans for the brewery’s menu.
 
Mann’s favorite home brews are Belgian-style beers, but he said the focus for Mannkind will be on serving what the community likes – which he expects will be different from the more experimental styles proliferating in Wilmington breweries.
 
“The demographics over here are slightly different than they are in Wilmington. That’s going to drive a different tap list than you’re going to see in a traditional Wilmington brewery,” Mann said.
 
Mann said he expects the menu to feature more classic styles like lagers and ales, and his team is already experimenting with malts and other flavors in small batch brews.
 
Even though Mann has experience as a home brewer, the couple hired Alexis Scrivani as Mannkind’s head brewer. Scrivani’s credentials include a fermentation science degree from Appalachian State University and previous stints at breweries in Wilmington and Colorado.
 
“She’s a rock star,” Mann said.
 
The couple envisions the brewery as a place for families to hang out, and Mann hinted the menu would include an option for younger patrons in addition to 12 taps of beer and a selection of wines.
 
“We want it to be a surprise when it comes out, but we’re going to cater to all ages and demographics with our offerings,” said Mann.
 
Pending no supply chain issues or other unforeseen circumstances, Mann estimates a February opening for the brewery.
 
“That may change, but as of today, that’s where we’re at,” Mann said.
 
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