Proximity Brewing Company Now Open in East Durham | Eater Carolinas

"Opened by Mike Potter — a branding professional who created Black Brew Culture and founded the Blacktoberfest festival — this East Durham brewery doubles as a mission-driven cultural hub that promotes Black-owned beverage companies and uplifts Black workers in the overwhelmingly white beer industry. Located in the Garland Mill development alongside other Black-owned food and drink spots such as Mike D’s Barbecue and Congress Bar, the interior greets visitors with sleek black walls, a long black bar, small tables and a back “living room” area, plus a shared patio for pairing pints with barbecue. While brewing operations are ramping up, 14 taps are installed (currently all guests); when fully operational Potter plans for 12 house beers and two guest taps. The beer lineup will focus on accessible lagers, pilsners and easygoing IPAs, with occasional special-release barrel-aged ales using barrels from Old Hillside; about 80% of the beer, wine and spirits served are Black-owned brands. The space extends the online Black Brew Culture project into a physical gathering place and will host community events including Blacktoberfest (planned for October 5)." - Matt Lardie