Front Street Brewery, Wilmington’s longest-running brewery, celebrates a milestone anniversary with two new co-owners.
For three decades Front Street Brewery has been a cornerstone of Wilmington’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Now, as this iconic establishment nears its 30th anniversary, it is ushering in an exciting new chapter with two familiar faces being introduced as part owners.
Sam Sumner and Josh Cranford, longtime members of the Front Street team, have joined Thomas Harris as co-owners, bringing their dedication and passion for the business into leadership roles.
Both Sumner and Cranford have spent years growing within the company. Sumner first joined Front Street Brewery in 2010 as a line cook, working alongside Cranford before moving onto other opportunities. He returned in 2018 as a restaurant manager and quickly rose to the position of director of operations the following year.
Cranford’s history with Front Street Brewery dates back even further. He started in 2007 as a fry cook, fresh from Appalachian State University, thinking his stay in Wilmington might be temporary. This proved to be wrong, as the brewery and the community captured his heart, and he never left!
Now, as general manager and owner operator, Cranford takes pride in the relationships he has built over the years, from creating unforgettable beer experiences to working with a team that he considers family.
Becoming part owners is a milestone moment for both Sumner and Cranford, and it carries a deep personal meaning. For Cranford, it is about proving that hard work pays off — a lesson he hopes to pass down to his daughter.
“Not every day is perfect, but you control what you can control and try to make each situation better,” Cranford says. “The people who show up every single day to clock in and make this place run, our employees, are integral to this business. Their efforts to pay attention to all things big and little don’t go unnoticed by our guests.”
For Sumner, ownership is an opportunity to continue leading by example. With more than 60 employees, many of whom are full-time, he and Cranford want to foster a supportive workplace culture built on mutual respect.
“It is important for us as owners to show up every day, set the tone and ensure our staff knows they are valued and appreciated,” Sumner says.
On top of their internal staff, Sumner notes that their external community is essential to Front Street’s ongoing success and ability to serve.
“The local community is everything to us, we wouldn’t be here without their support,” Cranford says. “As a locally owned and operated business, Front Street Brewery is an institution in Downtown Wilmington. Generations of families have made countless memories here, and we hope to continue this tradition for another 30 years and beyond. We are committed to giving back on charity events and donations, believing it is our duty to help raise the bar, especially Downtown.”
As Wilmington’s oldest established brewery (and North Carolina’s seventh-oldest), Front Street has a positive, strong reputation.
Of course, with new leadership comes fresh ideas, and both new co-owners are eager to introduce projects while maintaining the legacy that has made Front Street Brewery so beloved to locals.
“We put a lot of thought and care into the beers we choose to brew and the seasons in which we release them,” Cranford says. “Front Street Brewery has adapted in many ways, from our food offerings to our beer selection and our ever-growing whiskey collection. We stay true to our preferences and share what we love with our guests.”
From exciting collaborations with local businesses, extended Saturday hours with a special offering and an unforgettable 30th-anniversary celebration in the works, it is clear that this iconic Wilmington spot is in good hands.
As Front Street Brewery enters this new era, Sumner and Cranford exude clear gratitude to everyone who has supported the business over the years.
“To anyone who has ever been through our doors, anyone who has had our nachos or sipped one of our beers — thank you!” Sumner says. “If you haven’t visited us yet, we look forward to welcoming you in and showing you what has kept us around for so many years. It means the world to us to carry on this legacy into another 30 years. Cheers!”
Want to go?
Front Street Brewery
9 N. Front Street, Wilmington
(910) 251-1935
frontstreetbrewery.com
@frontstreetbrewery
Photography by Matt McGraw Photography
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