When Pilot Brewing opened in Plaza Midwood in 2018, it quickly became one of Charlotte's go-to destinations for award-winning craft beer. Now, eight years later, the brewery is celebrating the community that's helped it grow.

"It means a lot to me to create this community, and the community has responded to it well," Owner and head brewer Rachael Hudson told CLTtoday.

Hudson moved to Charlotte in 2015. After working at NoDa Brewing Co., she was ready to open her own brewery — an idea she'd been brewing for years.

"I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, where I started working at a brewery before moving to Colorado to work for Left Hand Brewing," Hudson said. "My husband is a pilot, and we landed in Charlotte. So the brewery is named for him, but also for the pilot systems breweries use to make small batches, one-offs, and experimental beers. I wanted that to be our niche."

Fun fact: Over the past eight years, Pilot Brewing has partnered with more than 100 local nonprofits through its Charity of the Month program and fundraising events. "We wanted to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, no matter your background," Hudson added.

To celebrate the milestone, the brewery is throwing an anniversary party featuring staff-created beers, games, and a comedy show.