Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Lindroos.
Hi Sally, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The story of Savard Beer & Board began over a decade ago when owners John and Michelle Savard moved back to their hometown of Wilmington after college in Asheville. Inspired by the brewing culture they experienced there, they set out to build their own beer scene from scratch.
What started as a small homebrew shop in midtown Wilmington, grew into a larger location with an added local brewery, Wilmington Brewing Company.
Over the next decade, their flagship IPA, Tropical Lightning, became one of Wilmington’s most popular local beers. Its success allowed the Savards to dream of a second location that could be more “creative and funky” than a traditional production brewery… enter “Savard Beer and Board”…
Savard Beer & Board is a unique concept in downtown Wilmington, NC, where the Savards could combine the love of surfing with a new focus on low-ABV “session” beers. Located in a historic building on Front Street, the venue allows guests to enjoy fresh house-brewed beers and cocktails while watching local shapers craft custom surfboards through viewing windows.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the summer of 2020 (during peek Covid pandemic), the Savards had the opportunity to purchase a 9,000-square-foot historic warehouse on Front Street, which allowed them to creatively think about the Savard Beer and Board project & possibility.
During the pandemic lockdowns, John Savard became fascinated by surfboard shaping while watching YouTube videos out of boredom… what started as a hobby evolved into the concept for Savard Beer & Board.
After several years of renovations to the historic McEachern warehouse (a charming landmark building in downtown Wilmington), which included adding plumbing and air conditioning to a building that was largely a dirt floor, they officially opened in June 2025. Today, the venue serves as a “love project” that highlights the artistry of both crafting beer and shaping surfboards live for the public.
No renovation is ever “smooth sailing”, but it brought so much meaning for John and Michelle Savard to be able to breath life back into a beautiful building that they’ve always loved as born and raised “Wilmingtonians”!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The signature feature is a working shaping and glassing bay. Guests can watch the entire process—from cutting foam to adding color—which owners John and Michelle Savard designed to make the art of surfing and board-making feel less intimidating.
Savard beer and Board is also known for its massive, 9,000-square-foot renovated space full of vibrant design & amenities. The large taproom, a covered porch with yard games, semi-private event space, monthly rotating art gallery, and a second-floor Airbnb rental, called “Above Board” allow for a lot of possibilities of fun and liveliness added to downtown Wilmington!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Follow your passions & be true to your own unique story! Wilmington Brewing Company & Savard Beer and Board were born from an interest in craft beer that grew into creating spaces that aligned hobbies with family-friendly atmospheres. Watching the success of how each brewery has catered to the North Carolina beer marketplace has been so much fun because it feels true to the passions John and Michelle have for the local favorites of craft beer, surfing, and community engagement. They used their unique life experiences to launch them into success and have created something special as a result…
Pricing:
- Custom Surfboard Starts at $650
- $7 Beers
- $5 Weekly Beer Specials
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savardbeerandboard.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savardbeerandboard/
