E-Malt.com News article: USA, SC: Clemson’s first brewery Kite Hill Brewing Co to open its doors on July 4

The long wait for Clemson's first brewery is nearly over, the Greenville News reported on July 2.

Kite Hill Brewing Co. will open July 4 weekend in its Patrick Square location off Issaqueena Trail, according to their Facebook page. The brewery is open 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, but will hold its grand opening Sunday at noon.

Kite Hill is an easygoing brewery with plenty of indoor and outdoor space. During its soft opening on July 1, families, retirees from the neighboring Patrick Square and a few Clemson University students mingled in Kite Hill's open space with exposed metal, natural wood and soft greens.

It is the brainchild of Bryon Leggett and Bobby Congdon, two Clemson alums who have always dreamed of brewing beer together for the community.

"We've had an amazing amount of encouragement, support from community members that have just been dropping in," Leggett said. "And probably every 15 minutes folks will come to the door to tell us how excited they are."

To open, Kite Hill will offer a limited number of house brews, with plans to expand. Guest taps, cider, wine and soft drinks also are available. Small food items and sandwiches -think elevated bar food - will also be served.

"We want to be able to have something for the whole family," Leggett said.

A large beer garden offers tables for guests, and space for kids and dogs to play. String lights and kitschy murals give the place an easy, neighborhood feel. Plans for weekday trivia nights, live music and more will be announced in the coming weeks on the brewery's Facebook page.

The opening was delayed several months due to supply chain slowdowns and weather-related construction issues, according to the owners, but guests will be able to sample a limited selection of beers brewed onsite when it opens. The first few selections are a dark porter, hoppy kolsch and several pale ales.

The opening marks a new era for year-round residents of the college town, who tend to avoid the student-laden downtown district.

"I think there's a need, because you have your downtown scene for students, but it's somewhere where locals can convene and enjoy. And especially because it's on the outskirts of Clemson," resident Emily Ewoldt said at Thursday's soft opening.

Mike Cheatham lives right next door in Patrick Square, the planned community home to hundreds of retirees and several restaurants. He's been looking forward to Kite Hill's opening for awhile.

"I've been excited about it," he said. "It's a nice ambience."

Kite Hill may be the first brewery, but it won't be alone for long in Clemson. Another brewery is slated to open in the forthcoming Dockside development on Tiger Boulevard, but won't be ready for at least another year. Plans to have a brewery in the old Astro Theatre on College Avenue were scrapped last year after construction delays.

The brewery is one of several new businesses opening in Patrick Squares latest commercial building. A barber shop, waxing studio and a real estate brokerage will share the commercial space with Kite Hill. The entire development will host an after-hours open house on July 15 at 5:30 p.m., according to Patrick Square marketing coordinator Keri Unsworth.


02 July, 2021