LOST WORLDS BREWERY FRONT ELEVATION

By Dave Vieser. Lost Worlds Brewery has found a place in a strip shopping center on West Catawba in Cornelius. If all goes as planned, the suds will be flowing sometime this winter according to co-owners Dave and Allison Hamme.

The brewery was founded to create a “basecamp for adventure-seekers,” said David Hamme, a nationally known innovation consultant whose 2014 book “Customer Focused Process Innovation” was a business best-seller.

HAMME

Hamme has also worked as a management consultant for Ernst & Young, and as an executive in Lowe’s Home Improvement’s $3 billion Installation business unit. At Lowe’s, Hamme oversaw the strategic planning, marketing, product management, pricing, new product development and sales functions.

Now he’s getting into beer.

Lost World will join a growing number of craft breweries in North Carolina. At last count, there were more than 300 such breweries and brewpubs statewide. No less than 47 are located in the Charlotte area, with over 15 in the Lake Norman vicinity.

Plans for Lost World Brewery call for both an inside and outside venue in One Norman Plaza near the upscale Choplin’s restaurant and a Planet Fitness.

Hamme said the chief reasons behind the location included proximity to residential rooftops, the ability to add an outdoor beer garden, the density of nearby retail and the availability of parking.

The facility will include a 5,000-square-foot, 95-seat tap room. On the outside, a 150-seat “biergarten” will be pet friendly.

Half of the facility will be used for brewing and the remainder will be used for a taproom and event space.

“The taproom and event space will be themed to match the explorers clubs of yesteryear – bringing together history, archaeology, and the spirit of adventure” Hamme added.

Customers will be able to peer directly into their 10BBL brewing system.

The brewing operation will be run by David Gonzales, a player in the craft beer industry for 22 years. Gonzalez has spent two tours on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild and has judged numerous beer competitions including the Carolinas Championship of Beers, North Carolina Brewer’s Cup, and The American Brewers Palate.

Hamme says the 10BBL brewing equipment to be used is well suited for Lost Worlds’ Brewing: “quick proceeds, excellent quality, and a 1- 2-year, full recovery of investment.”

Hamme wouldn’t divulge his investment in Brewery other than to say it was “sizable.”

“We’re looking to provide a brewery designed specifically for Lake Norman residents,” Hamme said.