THE ISLAND PACKET
By Ashley Fahey
Online Article Here

Lowcountry beer fans will have 500-plus brews to choose from in one place this winter.

World of Beer, a national chain of craft beer-focused taverns, will open at 30 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 140, in Shelter Cove Towne Center on Hilton Head Island. World of Beer, headquartered in Tampa, Fla., has more than 70 locations in 20 states. Currently, the closest franchises are in Savannah and Pooler, Ga.

Steve Yoxsimer, World of Beer market development partner for the Carolinas, said the Hilton Head location is expected to open by November or December.

The 4,500-square-foot building is in Shelter Cove between AT&T and Kilwins, Yoxsimer said. He added that a dog-friendly, 1,000-square-foot patio will face the Kilwins side of the shopping center.

World of Beer franchises typically sell at least 500 different global craft beers with 50 draughts and several coolers of ale, said Terry Haley, vice president of marketing. World of Beer's total inventory includes about 23,000 global beers.

"Each tavern manages its beer selection locally at World of Beer so that we can cater to local tastes and support local breweries," Haley said. "The tavern will also have an infusion tower and beer engine for serving cask ale." He added spirits, craft cocktails, "a strong" whiskey offering, wine and a full tavern fare menu are also available at World of Beer.

Local brews that will be available at the Hilton Head location include Savannah-based River Dog, Southbound and Moon River; Columbia-based Conquest; and Charleston-based Holy City, Yoxsimer said. Live entertainment will be scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays.