The Suffolk Punch Brewing is about to open SouthPark mall’s first craft brewery

SouthPark mall is about see its first craft brewery debut.

The Suffolk Punch Brewing expects to open its second taphouse in May, the company said Saturday on its Facebook page. The Charlotte brewery, which opened in South End in 2017, is hiring managers for both locations.

The brewery’s expansion is part of the mall’s multi-million dollar West Plaza revamp announced in 2021 by SouthPark owner Simon. Suffolk Punch’s beer garden and taproom will open near Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Container Store.

The brewery, which was originally projected to open last summer at SouthPark mall, sits atop a greenspace that will offer family-friendly performances on stage throughout the year.

The plaza project also included the addition of an inclusive 1,850-square-foot interactive children’s play area on the opposite end of the plaza. That play area opened last summer.

What to expect at the brewery

The Suffolk Punch Brewing, according to Simon, will include:

Nearly 400 seats in 6,500-square-foot interior space

A full-service taphouse with more than 20 craft beers, cocktails, seltzers and wine.

Restaurant led by Executive Chef Michael Rayfield, with seasonally rotating menu and local products when possible

A coffee bar

Two free-standing bars in the covered 4,500-square-feet pavilion

Suffolk Punch officials did not respond for comment.

After The Charlotte Observer’s story about the planned opening posted Tuesday morning, the Facebook post was removed at some point.

More store changes at SouthPark mall

The brewery is among several new stores that have or plan to open at the mall. SouthPark at 4400 Sharon Road has 167 stores and restaurants.

Zara, a trendy Spanish fashion retailer, will open at the mall by 2025 as part of a larger U.S. expansion plan.

Omega, Swiss brand watch company, also is opening near center court, according to SouthPark’s website.

Stores that have opened within the past year are:

Alexander McQueen, the first North Carolina store, sells luxury brand sells women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories.

Rowan, an ear-piercing studio performed by licensed nurses

UNOde50, a handcrafted jewelry brand

Hive & Colony, a custom menswear store

Tag Heuer, a luxury Swiss watchmaker

Blue Nile, jewelry repair and cleaning

Levi’s, the denim brand