Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve & Kristen Gibbs.
Steve & Kristen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Fermental opened in 2013, as Wilmington’s first bottle shop and beer garden, with a small budget and a lofty goal to offer the most diverse and exclusive selection of beer and wine. Steve has a lengthy history in the industry from sales, distribution, bar business, musician, writer, etc. Combining the retail aspects with bar service had always been an idea and with that, the seed of Fermental was loosely planted. We are part bar, part beer garden, part wine shop, part beer store, keg outlet, education space, music venue, vendor space, event space, food truck spot, and more.
We are and have always been family friendly with a wide age demographic. Pet friendly for friendly pets, and we consistently work with local and regional nonprofits, We started in a small 1920’s bungalow in the Ogden area of Wilmington with plans to be a simple, small business with one or two employees and were quickly met with an overwhelming appreciation that pushed us to become who we are today: a casual, comfortable place to enjoy wine, beer, and spirits with an educated staff and ongoing live music, events, and more. Open everyday with an ever evolving and rotating selection of beverages: alcoholic and nonalcoholic.
Alongside multiple local and national awards over the years, Fermental made a recent move to a larger location in Wilmington’s Cargo District following a corporate buy-out of our previously rented space. The new location offers more bar seating, more beer taps, an expanded wine list, as well as a few cocktail offerings and an hefty amaro list.
Although our new location is in a renovated service station from the 1950’s, it maintains the general atmosphere and vibe of our original location, with a bit more space and a beer garden; which is a rare find in the city limits. We continue to push the boundaries of beer selection and wine options and we are now situated in a growing, busy area with lots of communal neighbors sharing the spirit of small business.
As we approach thirteen years in business, we’ve always been a little weird, and we still are. I think it’s what makes us Fermental. We’re all strangers in a strange world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every business has its challenges. Our goal was to start small and we did, growing along the way. We didn’t have a lot of money to get things started, and purchased all used equipment and furniture and other gear from thrift stores and Craigslist and we did the majority of construction work on our own. Twelve years later, we still don’t have a lot of money, but were paying the bills and continue to move forward in the industry and try new things everyday. We take risks, have odd ideas, and see how things work out; making changes along the way.
We also had a daughter born in 2015, which definitely added (and continues to add) it’s own unique challenges as business owners. A lot of competitors have also come along since our inception, some have since closed as other new businesses open their doors to the market.
Covid was another obvious challenge. Although we were considered an “essential business” and were able to stay open, we had to completely change our daily business practice; shifting entirely to retail and launched an online store with delivery. It was in the midst of this mask-wearing that our previous location was announced as “under contract” by the property owner. The land was sold to an developer that planned to tear everything down and build a quick oil change franchise. We held on as long as we could at that location, probably close to another year until the sale was final and then we relocated about 8 miles down the road to the bustling Cargo District near downtown Wilmington.
Moving into a new location proved much more challenging than we expected as we reloated from the county into city limits with much stricter building codes that we had to meet during the renovation which led to several delays and bureaucratic barriers. However, the irony of it all is that we moved into an place that previously did oil changes after being removed from our original space by a place that now does oil changes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fermental?
Most of this information was covered in the previous responses, but I will add that the thing that sets us apart from others is that we are a very welcoming place where many people make great bonds and friendships while enjoying some of the very best in the world of beer, wine, cider, sake, mead, and spirits.
We are most proud of all the friends were have made along the way and the new ones visiting everyday.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Interestingly, the alcohol industry as a whole is currently in a state of fluidity.
At this point, it seems that if you make a good product, you’re going to stand out; while others that don’t stay on top of trends and customer preferences are going to stay in the background.
Beer is taking a step back historically in styles, with lagers and lighter European options pushing ahead of the hop-driven palates. Imported wines have been hit hard with tariffs, so we’re seeing domestic brands and varietals start to take center stage.
But everything in this business seems to be cyclical, and even as THC products begin to become more available and some generations cut back on drinking, we are reminded that the history of civilization was built on libations and will continue to be part of every culture.
Pricing:
- $4 Drafts & $4 Wines every Monday
- Retails wines can be purchased and consumed onsite without corkage fees
- We offer $2.99 beers everyday
- Flights of beer/wine/amaro are always available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fermental.net
- Instagram: fermentalnc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fermentality
- Other: https://untappd.com/v/fermental/11235713
