The Beginning
Chris Lester and Kanye Fisher met at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while attending in the 1990s. There their friendship budded into multiple businesses, see Old Town Draught, and eventually the two opened Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. in downtown Greensboro in 2004.
The name Natty Greene’s is derived from Greensboro’s namesake Nathaniel Greene.
Expansion
In 2017, Lester and Fisher opened Natty Greene’s Kitchen and Market. The Kitchen and Market held items from local vendors and farmers, as well as Natty Greene’s products. The two also opened a brewery house off Gate City Boulevard. Eventually, Natty Greene’s distributed throughout the mid-Atlantic.
Separation
In 2018, the two co-owners went their separate business ways. Fisher kept the Natty Greene’s Kitchen and Market as the sole owner, eventually renaming it to Kau. Kau is still in operation.
Pandemic Pressures
Lester made the decision to file for a title 11 bankruptcy in 2020. After difficulty in the market starting in 2018, Lester made many attempts to lower operation costs and to continue as a local, Triad, brewery rather than a regionally considered brewery. The title 11 bankruptcy states that the brewery side of Natty Greene’s operation will be done, with no plan to revive it at a later date. While the brewery side may be closed, Lester is continuing to operate the Natty Greene’s restaurant in downtown Greensboro.
Lester attributes the pandemic as a part of the reason the brewery side is closing. Noting plans with the Greensboro Coliseum that were canceled due to the pandemic, leaving them in a tough place.
Community Events
The downtown Natty Greene’s continues to put on events, such as trivia nights. These events can be found on their website under ‘Community Events’.
Hours and Address
Natty Greene’s is located in downtown Greensboro at 345 Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. According to updated COVID-19 hours they operate between the hours of 11am-11pm Monday through Thursday; 10am-11pm Friday; 10am-10pm Saturday; and 11am-10pm on Sunday.
