Brewsmart is a recurring one day educational session hosted by the NC Brewers Guild, yesterday the topic was Business Leadership so much of the topics covered were financial, brand identity or real estate in nature. There is also an accompanying mini-trade show, this one featuring insurance, HR-payroll firms, and even legal. Joymongers hosted and Pig Pounder hosted a member social afterwards. Next one will be in the Summer and feature technical brewing.

We start in South Carolina this week with update at the former River Rat location, now known as Ratskeller.

Back to NC, Charlotte has the big news of the week, that Petty Thieves has been sold to Brian Kletch. Brian wasted no time either with hiring Adam Glover as Director of Brewing Operations. In other news Southern Strain is closing its Plaza Taproom location. Finishing in Charlotte Philly magazine has a feature on the city including a number of local brewery options.

In Asheville related news Homebrew Con has opened registration for this year’s event.

Outside NC, Vinepair has news from Bank of America that the bar business grew last year.

Late breaking news yesterday that Tilray who has been actively buying up breweries is set to buy UK Brewery Brewdog. This news wasn’t unexpected, it was just a question of who and for how little, the brand has been damaged goods for a while.

Finally the fascinating story of the mural that was discovered at the Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati.

In weekend events we have the make up date for NC Rare & Vintage Saturday and Raleigh Brewing is hosting their 13th Anniversary party Sunday Saturday.