Co.

Beats The Summer Heat

by Tony Ricciardelli

Neoteric:

ne·o·ter·ic /nē 'terik/ adjective: new or modern; recent. noun: a person who advocates new ideas.

It’s August in North Carolina. The heat is debilitating and hydration is a priority. If a tall glass of ice-cold suds wets your whistle, there are options. Craft breweries are popular and popping up throughout the area, and there doesn’t seem to be a lack of patronage at the local brew houses. Independently owned craft brewing offers the brewer a license for creativity, with the freedom to develop unique flavors and brewing techniques. The variation of styles, genres and tastes are countless. For unique and frosty hop and barley creations, check out Neoteric Brewing Co. in Huntersville.

An inevitable career change

Mike Tessari is a Philadelphia native who, at an early age, was eager to serve his community. In high school, Tessari was a volunteer firefighter. When he arrived in Charlotte in 2011, he taught a fire protection program at Central Piedmont Community College and, later, earned his EMT certification which led to a position as a medic with the Charlotte Rescue Squad. He received a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management and became involved with the Metrolina Preparedness Coalition, where he worked on operations and logistics. During the pandemic, Tessari was stockpiling supplies to fight COVID-19 in 13 counties. During this time, Tessari attended virtual brewer’s conferences and obtained his certification from the World Brewing Academy at the Siebel Institute of Technology.

Craft Brew Zen

Tessari had been improving his home brewing skills for several years prior to opening his brewery.

“I enjoyed developing new recipes and gaining relevant knowledge,” says Tessari. “For me, it was enjoyable, a means of unwinding and alleviating stress.”

In 2021, in a fund-raising event sponsored by Sugar Creek Brewery, Tessari entered his Doppel Bock brew in a competitive, blind-tasting event and was awarded the title of Favored Beer. The success further inspired Tessari to open his own brewery. He secured financing, procured the required permits and licensing, leased a property and went to work renovating his current location in Market Square shopping center off Gilead Road in Huntersville.

Neoteric Brewing Co. opened on Black Friday, 2022 with equipment limitations. The staff, including Tessari, his wife Alex, and one employee worked long days seven days per week during those first months of operation.

“We’ve come a long way,” says Tessari. “We now have six tanks, each with a 217-gallon capacity. On any given day, we have 14 different beers on tap, and we’re introducing a new beer every week.” Additional brews include Black Stratacaster IPA (best seller), Simcoe Shakedown (IPA Red), Bock Jaw Bock (Doppelbock), Smokey Shadows Porter (American), High Czech Pilsner (Czech) and Cantina Kickback Lager (Mexican), to name a few. Wine, mimosas and other beverages including non-alcoholic choices are available.

Good help makes a difference

The Tessaris believe their employees have much to offer and, in turn, they provide them with a positive and inspiring work environment.

“Our employees are knowledgeable and encouraged to learn how to brew beer,” says Tessari. “We develop new flavors together and brew together. In fact, one of my em- ployees pitched a lavender lager to me, and we developed a recipe. Another employee, an artist, designed our logo and provides our artwork, while another helps with marketing. Two employees are working toward their beer server certification, and we have one certified beer judge.”

Neoteric Brewing Co. boasts a 2,200-squarefoot taproom and a separate space for meetings and events. The patio has plenty of outdoor seating. Killingtons Restaurant & Pub provides the food, and there’s music on the patio. The brewery is family-friendly and has board and card games available to borrow in the taproom as well. Leashed dogs are welcome in the taproom. Trivia contests are held on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

Tessari credits Sugar Creek Brewing Company and Hoptown Brewing Co. for sharing their expertise and teaching him a thing or two about brewery operations.

“Brewers are the coolest people,” says Tessari. “They’re always there to lend advice and support.”

For more information about Neoteric Brewery, call 704.727.0051 or visit www.neotericbrewing.com.

Lake Norman residents for more than a decade, the dynamic duo and their two children were looking for a restaurant for sale so they could create an environment where wonderful meals are served with a side of community building.

“My wife and I have dreamed about the day that we could open a restaurant,” says Titus. “With our culinary backgrounds, knowing that food is not always readily available to all, and our passion for connecting people, a restaurant always made so much sense.”

Working with a variety of local vendors to keep the doors open during the transition, Christina’s priority was to ensure employees did not miss a day of income as a result of the change in operations.

No strangers to caring about others, the Bartolottas founded and ran The Lotta Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk Lake Norman families experiencing food insecurity and in need of a hand-up. “For nearly 10 years, we helped thousands of people and it was the joy of our hearts,” says Titus.

Rise Café focuses on quality ingredients, exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. Plenty of staples are on the morning menu