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'Spirit of craft beer': Downtown bar to open as owner completes renovations

Wilson Daily Times - 10/28/2017

Oct. 28--For owner Teddy Olson, Downtown Public House is more than just a budding bar.

From the 16-foot bar to the Star Wars characters drawn on the chalkboard wall, the 33-year-old man has put blood and sweat into building a unique hot spot for the broad spectrum of craft beer and wine lovers.

"The emphasis on craft beer with a focus on quality," said Olson. "I'm trying to uphold the spirit of craft beer. At The Beer Store, Kevin took it very seriously and I want to lighten it up, but still maintain that standard."

The U.S. Navy veteran jumped at the opportunity earlier this year when Beer Store owner Kevin Gross decided to shutter the bar at 113B Goldsboro St. Olson was determined to put his own spin on the watering hole, though. Among the changes customers can expect upon the opening in November is a bar topped with tobacco leaves from Artisan Leaf and a cooler of bottled beer to complement the eight beers on tap.

"He has worked very hard and has put his heart and money into personalizing 113B Goldsboro to make it a craft beer and wine destination in the heart of downtown," said Purple Porch Properties co-owner Wendy Moore. "His custom-made tobacco leaf bar will be the talk of many a visitor. We could not be happier to have him be a part of the downtown turnaround and a member of the Purple Porch Properties family."

Olson moved to the Wilson area in 2012 when he was hired as a maintenance technician at Bridgestone after serving as an aviation technician in the military. In June, he quit his full-time job to go into business for himself.

"I have more experience on the customer side of the bar scene. I'm a big fan of craft beer and whiskey and the environment bars have to offer," he said. "I worked at In-N-Out Burger for six years and was a manager where the focus was definitely on customer service."

Moore said she was confident in Olson's plan.

"Purple Porch Properties is very excited that Teddy chose to invest in historic downtown Wilson by opening the Downtown Public House in one of our buildings," she said. "He is a young, energetic entrepreneur that shares our vision of a vibrant, eclectic downtown with specialty shops and eateries that welcome everyone."

The hours of operation for Downtown Public House still are in development as are the beers to be on tap for opening day.

Olson said he thinks the earthy decor of the bar mixed with the quirky quality of changing drawings on the chalkboard wall will be comfortable whether customers settle into a booth with friends or enjoy a pint on the attached patio.

"This will be a different environment, a different feel with different beer than anywhere else," he said. "I see the potential in downtown. I think it has really big potential to be great and I'm excited to be a part of it."

For more information and updates on the grand opening, visit www.facebook.com/DowntownPublicHouse/.

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(c)2017 The Wilson Daily Times (Wilson, N.C.)

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