Great Brew and Big Hearts: Old Armor Beer Taps Into Kannapolis

BY KIMBERLY BROUILLETTE

Editor’s Note: When we originally interviewed for this article, public health restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus had not yet been instituted. However, the information contained in this story will still be applicable when these restrictions have been concluded. Below is a statement from one of the Old Armor Beer Company founders, Kyle Lingafelt: “In true military fashion we have adapted and overcome the situation. Though we are unable to utilize our taproom and sell what we do on a weekly basis, we are still able to provide deliveries of our brews and to-go orders. We have also been able to provide Old Armor Beer Bonds at a cost less than the value that can be utilized, once the taproom opens back up. Being the hometown brewery of Kannapolis, we have received a tremendous amount of support from those within Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. This is crucial in the support of our beertenders, who rely on tips. We are resilient, and not only will we weather the storm, we have future plans that will make Kannapolis a destination within the Charlotte region.”

Since before the Revolutionary War, Cabarrus County has been a strong supporter of the military and veterans. In addition, local breweries and tap houses are always extremely popular due to their selection of crafted beers with unique flavors, which make them stand out against the mass-produced, store-bought brands. So, it comes as no surprise that there has been such a positive community response to the recent opening of the veteranowned Old Armor Beer Company in downtown Kannapolis. In fact, this new addition to the redeveloped area is the first 100% veteran-owned brewery in this entire region.

According to Lingafelt, one of the main purposes for starting the brewery was to provide jobs and support for veterans, who may have difficulty in transitioning into civilian life. Currently, the brewery employs approximately 20 people, including 5 veterans. In the near future, they intend on hosting regular events, including veteran support and casual job networking gatherings and workshops.

The three unlikely business partners, Kyle Lingafelt, Dick Bradley and Stefan Perrine, actually met while enrolled in a veteran-focused, graduate business degree program at the University of Southern California. Lingafelt, who served in the U.S. Marines Corp, was the only Concord native of the group. Bradley, also a former Marine, is a long-time resident of California, while Perrine formerly served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne and is a transplant from Southern New Jersey.

The three became friends quickly, going to football games and hanging out together regularly. As a hobby, they even created their own brew to take to football tailgate parties, which they named “O’ Dark Thirty,” after a military term for the period between midnight and dawn. While reflecting on their graduate school days, Lingafelt jokes that their fellow students were very complimentary about the flavor, saying that the trio’s beer was much better than anything else they’d tasted. They were even encouraged to pursue developing their own brand.

As the trio continued through their coursework, they became more intrigued with the idea. They decided to focus their graduate degree capstone project on starting their own craft brewery, together.

The three friends realized, as graduation drew closer, they had completed all of the initial hard work in order to start their own business. It wasn’t long before they became serious about the new venture and began scouting for locations. As they were residing in California at the time, they quickly realized the initial costs and restrictions there would be prohibitive. It was then they started considering other places outside of the state.

Once the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, Old Armor Brewing looks forward to being the place to mingle in downtown Kannapolis.

Photo Used by Permission from Visit Cabarrus

Immediately, they turned to doing research on Lingafelt’s hometown of Concord, NC as a more likely candidate. However, Concord already had several established breweries that were finding success. They decided to search for a nearby location.

Kannapolis, NC soon emerged as a better prospect Unlike Concord, Kannapolis did not have any existing local tap houses or breweries as competition. In addition, with the new downtown development, including a planned retail business district, new ballpark and apartment complex, all under construction, the timing seemed to be perfect.

When the trio approached the developers for the City of Kannapolis, they were greeted with enthusiasm. According to Annette Privette, communications director for the City of Kannapolis, an excitement quickly grew as the plan was discussed with Kannapolis City Planner Mike Legg and others. Many leaders in the community desired to help the new business owners through the process of finding the perfect location and working with them to acquire the permits necessary to begin their operation. The partners finally decided to establish their brewery at 211 West Avenue, in the area formerly known as Cannon Village. The 18,000 sq. ft. building is perfectly situated directly across the street from the Cannon Ballers’ office and team store, and within walking distance of the new stadium. The brewery currently occupies a 6,300 sq. ft. portion of the building with a 350 occupancy capacity. Once finished, the entire area will eventually contain a variety of retail businesses, plus a new apartment complex that will house 200 units, and eventually a hotel and performing arts center.

After the adjacent apartment complex has completed construction, they intend on creating a 3000 sq. ft. beer garden. In the foreseeable future, they plan on expanding their facility to include the 6,300 sq. ft. basement. To allow for overflow and event space to bring in bands, as well as have networking and other events, they will be adding a 3,500 sq. ft. located next door also. At this time, over 1000 free parking spaces are close by to make for easy access. In fact, the new brewery is already completely surrounded by many residential neighborhoods that contain likely patrons.

The brewery’s founders have been working closely with city developers to draw a wide selection of businesses that will complement each other, rather than be strong competitors. If all goes well, they anticipate several restaurants, boutiques, retail shops, a hair salon,

Games of corn hole are prone to break out in the shadow of the craft beer being brewed at Old Armor Beer Company.

Photo Used by Permission from Visit Cabarrus

a barber, as well as another brewery located there. As of the publishing of this article, a release of the sooncoming businesses was not available, however the initial list is anticipated to be available soon from the City of Kannapolis development team. After final construction renovations and up-fitting, the Old Armor Beer Company held a soft opening on December 21, 2019 for community leaders, employee family members and close friends at their new facilities. It began official operation on the following day. A grand opening celebration for the public was held from March 14-16, just prior to the COVID-19 restrictions laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were put in place. Over 15,000 people attended the 3-day event.

Old Armor’s selection already includes almost 20 different beers ranging from lighter to stout recipes. However, some of the most impressive ones are their “charitable” beers. This is not only due to the fact those recipes are hand-crafted with a specific, deserving group in mind, but a portion of the proceeds are designated for a related charity. Their first version, the “Red Line Ale,” was developed with feedback from local firefighters, with the designated charity names as the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund. Currently, a “Blue Line Ale” is being created to represent the police department. They are still in the process of determining the chosen appropriate charity that they wish to help. Additional lines will benefit military veteran charities and other notable services.

To show their appreciation for veterans and first responders, they also offer a “pay it forward” board, where patrons can buy a beer in advance for others. This program gained national and international attention when the founders appeared on the talk show, “Fox & Friends,” to discuss their military-themed beers. Longdistant patrons from as far away as Africa called in to purchase “pay it forward” vouchers.

In spite of the recent COVID-19 emergency crisis, the new brewery has seen initial success and continues to do strong business. In order to support their “beertenders,” as they have been affectionately named, the company has already sold over 100 “Old Armor Liberty Beer Bonds,” which patrons can purchase for $20 to redeem later for $30 of beer, once the taproom is re-opened to the public. (Contact brewery for details.) Even with the restrictions in effect, patrons don’t have to go without their local brew. Crowlers (32oz), as well as 1/6 kegs, are available for purchase at the door. They request customers call in orders in advance, or come to the side entrance to place orders in person. Until further notice, their hours will be Monday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit their website, oldarmor.com, or their Facebook page for more details. From the beginning, Lingafelt, Bradley and Perrine have used a tactical approach in founding the Old Armor Beer Company. Their military experience has come in handy to help them divide and conquer any challenges that they faced while in the armed services, as well as now. However, their love for brewing and desire to help others has made this new venture much more than a business — it’s becoming a heart of the community.