Cheers rang out during the official ribbon-cutting of Charlotte's new Old Mecklenburg Brewery and Biergarten location — opening to the public Saturday, June 1.

This new taproom at 5025 Bowl St. will be the largest brewery in south Charlotte. It boasts 14,000 sqft of indoor space, a 7,000-sqft patio, and second-level mezzanine balcony and patio for private events.

"Our idea here isn't to reinvent the wheel, but really have this location fit the area a little bit more," said Carlin Hammett, General Manager of the Old Mecklenburg Brewery at Ballantyne.

OMB is one of the new tenants of The Bowl at Ballantyne — a hub for food, shopping, live entertainment, and more.

Guests can enjoy drinks on two levels of space inside the new OMB location in Ballantyne. | Photo by CLTtoday

“This area is craving a brewery,” said Christina Thigpen, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Northwood. Thigpen emphasized families will be just as eager as office workers to visit the signature biergarten and restaurant.

"Two things we want to remain are dog-friendly and family-friendly. It's so important to the people of Charlotte," said Hammett.

CLTtoday received an exclusive tour of the site weeks before the brewery's official opening — with drilling, hammering, and construction everywhere.

Guests can enjoy ample outdoor space from the mezzanine, overlooking The Ballantyne Hotel. | Photo by CLTtoday

City Editor Jack here. I can promise that guests will find a vibrant and spacious atmosphere, te same menu as the LoSo location + additions like the smash burger — paying homage to the brewery’s German heritage. My favorite part was enjoying a drink with friends in the tree-canopied biergarten overlooking the upcoming Oro Ballantyne tower while enjoying live music.