Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to Open Restaurant in North Carolina

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is expanding its Mills River, North Carolina brewery to include a taproom and restaurant. It will be similar in concept to the brand's California brewery and restaurant. According to the Blue Ridge Times-News, the space will offer seating for nearly 400 people and a "chef-driven menu" featuring "farm-to-table" dishes and "small plates." There will also be suggested Sierra Nevada beer pairings for each dish.

No only will there be 23 beer taps to choose from, the brewery will supply the restaurant with a supply of exclusive limited-edition rotating draughts. There are also plans to open an outdoor dining space, start an on-site produce garden, and build a live music venue this summer. The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom & Restaurant opens on March 10.

Sierra Nevada has had a year of ups and downs so far. The beer company came under fire in January for allegedly copying the lettering used on a beer by Lagunitas Brewing Company. Lagunitas filed a lawsuit against Sierra Nevada arguing that the Hop Hunter label will "either harm the Lagunitas' brand or look like a collaboration." The suit was dropped.