Southridge Brewing

The heart of Southridge Brewing, Brad Heys. Vision, teamwork, and bringing dreams to life—that’s what Brad Heys is all about. As our resident restaurateur and the glue that holds this project together, Brad has been instrumental in shaping Southridge Brewing into everything it is destined to be.

If you know Wilmington, you probably know Brad. Ten years ago, he opened Kava Haus, a beloved coffee café at the heart of town. More recently, he and Jen Purkey expanded with Trail Haus, a cozy breakfast and lunch spot along the Luther Warren bike trail. And if you’ve been around long enough, you might even remember Brad slinging drinks as a bartender at the General Denver!

Brad has a special gift for spotting potential—in buildings, businesses, and people. He knows how to assemble a stellar team and empower their talents to shine. Whether he’s making pizza dough, scheduling repairs, or working the room with a drink in hand, Brad has his finger on the pulse of the action.

A proud resident of Wilmington for the past 20+ years, Brad has poured his heart into making Southridge Brewing a space where community happens. When you visit, don’t be surprised if he stops by your table to say hi.

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Community Crafted.

Alex Rhinehart is the creative force behind Southridge Brewing’s beer program! Born at Clinton Memorial Hospital and raised just a few blocks from our brewery in the Southridge neighborhood, Alex is as local as they come.

A 2005 graduate of Wilmington High School and 2009 alumnus of Wilmington College, Alex began his professional journey as a sports medicine professor before retiring from higher education. But if you’ve been around Wilmington long enough, you might also remember him serving drinks behind the bar at the General Denver.

Alex brings a wealth of brewing experience, including roles as Assistant Brewer at Warped Wing Brewing Company in Dayton and Head Brewer at Fibonacci Brewing Company in Cincinnati. Now, he’s back in Wilmington, ready to craft an exceptional beer program at Southridge Brewing.

Expect a carefully crafted lineup that pays homage to the precision of traditional European and American styles with a creative flair rooted in unique local ingredients. A fellow brewer described Alex’s brewing style as “well-crafted classical styles that hold their own with the best in their categories, paired with ingenious, boundary-pushing innovations. Expect balance, creativity, and expertly executed beers that stand out in every way.”

Alex is excited to pour his heart—and plenty of great pints—into the community and reconnect with friends old and new.

Cheers!

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Community Crafted.

You know her. You love her. Clinton County has savored Jen's incredible food for decades—now, get ready to experience the magic she’s bringing to Southridge Brewing. Jen Purkey is our food visionary and culinary heart behind Southridge Brewing.

With years of experience delighting taste buds at local favorites like the General Denver, Kava Haus, and Trail Haus, Jen is ready to create something truly special at Southridge Brewing.

Jen’s menu will offer an eclectic fusion of upscale pub fare and contemporary American cuisine, crafted with a deep commitment to quality and locally sourced ingredients. Born out of love and respect for humble ingredients, the menu is designed to bring you meals that are both inspired and inviting.

Expect ever-evolving seasonal offerings that showcase Jen’s close relationships with local growers, bringing the freshest flavors of the season to your table. From casual bites to creative dishes, Southridge Brewing is all about warm hospitality, good value, and creating an experience you’ll want to share with friends again and again.

Stay tuned to see what Jen is cooking up—it’s going to be worth the wait!

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Community Crafted.