Want some ideas of the best watering holes to hit in the Chapel Hill area? Ask our own Chris Rice ’94. Chris is our former alumni president and publisher of All About Beer. Read below to learn more about his professional journey and to get his top picks for breweries in and around Chapel Hill.
The brewery business is hugely popular right now. How did you find your way into it?
About 20 years ago Robert Poitras ’94 and I cofounded North Carolina’s 4th brewery: Carolina Brewery in Chapel Hill. Our vision for the business was to create the greatest American brewery in the greatest college town.
What has been your professional journey since you graduated?
I worked with Robert for 9 years and then sold my part of Carolina Brewery to him. After selling, I was about to get out and talk to other professionals in the brewing industry. I was a consultant for many other breweries, and then started to consult for All About Beer magazine. The publisher was a friend of mine, and eventually I acquired the business from him.
How did DKE UNC influence your professional decisions?
The brothers of DKE UNC were there to support and help each other be successful. We allowed each other to follow the paths that we wanted. I have taken these beliefs to my professional teams.
As the beer expert, tell your UNC brothers what you consider to be the best watering holes in the area.
Carolina Brewery
Top of the Hill Restaurant, Brewery and Distillery
Steel String Brewery
Mystery Brewery
YesterYears
Starpoint Brewing
Why is the fraternal experience important?
I definitely encourage undergraduates to join a fraternity. The opportunity to join comes at time in your life when you are figuring out the right path for your career and you are figuring yourself out socially. You create long-lasting relationships with brothers. Being in a fraternity makes you want to develop as a person and it allows you to do that in a positive way. Being in a fraternity also provides you the best four years of your life!
Brothers can connect with Chris at [email protected].
