A Look Back At the Past Four Years with Founder, Dave Hamme
Lost Worlds Founder Dave Hamme, in front of one of the artifact walls in the new Charlotte taproom
Celebrating four years of Lost Worlds Brewing marks a milestone in our journey—a journey defined not just by crafting exceptional beer, but by cultivating a vibrant community and embracing the spirit of adventure.
“Since we launched Lost Worlds, I've had the privilege of witnessing our brewery's journey from its rocky inception to its recent expansion into new locations. In this Q&A session commemorating our anniversary, we are going to explore the mechanisms behind the curtain at Lost Worlds Brewing and what we feel makes our brewery special,” shared Dave Hamme.
From unexpected joys and challenges to the pivotal role of community partnerships and our relentless pursuit of innovation, this conversation offers a glimpse into our past, present, and the exciting adventures that lie ahead.
What’s something you didn’t anticipate when opening a brewery in Cornelius?
This answer is simple. One of the most unexpected and heartwarming aspects of launching our brewery in Cornelius has been the incredible community that has formed around us. When we first started out, we never anticipated the diverse and fascinating group of regulars who now populate our taproom. They are truly a part of the Lost Worlds family.
But it's not just our regulars who make our journey so remarkable. We've been blown away by the kindness of strangers, like those who drop off food for our Adventure Guides simply out of the goodness of their hearts. And then there are those adventurers who roam far and wide, bringing back artifacts and items to share with us in the taproom, adding to the rich collection adorning our walls.
The level of support we've received from the community has been nothing short of unreal. From unexpected gestures like opening our doors on Thanksgiving because our Adventure Guides elected to do so - only to have three different groups bring them food for a Thanksgiving dinner, to the everyday acts of kindness that have fostered a culture of belonging within our brewery, we've truly been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity.
In hindsight, while we intended to create a place where people could come together over great beer - what we've ultimately built is a hub of friendship, camaraderie, and shared experiences—a true testament to the power of community.
What are some of the ways you’ve built the brand to differentiate from other breweries?
One of the key ways we've differentiated Lost Worlds Brewing is through our deliberate focus on culture and being diligent about our brand promise. From the outset, we've strived to maintain an environment where our Adventure Guides (AG) feel engaged, empowered, and inspired to take care of our guests. This isn't just about hiring employees; it's about finding individuals with the right attitude and initiative, who bring our guest experience to life.
Since we opened our doors, we've seen remarkable transformations within our team. Some of our team members joined our team at the entry level have since been promoted into our leadership team because of their dedication and hard work. For instance, Chase Craig, who began as an Adventure Guide, is now the Director of Sales for all Lost Worlds. His journey exemplifies the opportunities for growth and advancement for those who want it within our company.
Through the efforts of individuals like Chase, we've been able to negotiate a deal with a major league ballpark and establish relationships throughout North Carolina with accounts both small and large. Our emphasis on cultivating a passionate and driven team has not only set us apart but has also enabled us to expand our brand and reach new heights in the competitive world of craft brewing.
Why are Community Partners so important to Lost Worlds?
Community partners hold significant importance to Lost Worlds because they allow us to collaborate to create something greater than what we could achieve individually. We firmly believe in the principle that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." By teaming up with organizations whose missions align with ours, we can promote our shared values, collaborate on projects, and seek ways to advance worthy causes within our community.
For instance, our partnerships with organizations like the Raptor Center have deepened over time. Beyond simply serving beer at their events, we've expanded our partnership to include fundraising efforts, participation in our markets, and pop-up events at our brewery. These partnerships extend beyond mere transactions; they're about building long-lasting relationships and working together towards shared goals.
At our new location, we're particularly excited about our partnership with SCDR (South Carolina Dog Rescue). Every first Sunday of the month, we will host them in our biergarten for “meet and greets” to facilitate dog adoptions and identify foster homes. This not only helps find loving homes for animals in need but also strengthens our ties with the local community and reinforces our commitment to making a positive impact wherever we can (and reinforces that we are a dog-friendly establishment!)
What are some best memories that stand out?
For me personally, the moments that stand out are those times when I see a group of people truly enjoying the space and the experience we've created. Whether it's during our Oktoberfest celebrations, with everyone smiling and dancing to the music, or at our markets where we witness vendors selling out of their goods, these moments are incredibly fulfilling. It’s why we embarked on this “brewery” journey.
But it's not just the big events that leave a lasting impression on our team. Even on average days, when our taproom is crowded with people gathered to watch a game together, there's a sense of camaraderie and community that gives us that warm feeling inside.
What truly makes these memories special is not the events themselves, but rather the people and how they interact with each other. Seeing strangers become friends, forging new relationships, and creating lasting bonds—it's these connections that make Lost Worlds more than just a brewery, but a true gathering place for adventure and friendship.
From a brewing perspective what are you most proud of?
From a brewing perspective, one of the things we’re all most proud of is our ability to consistently deliver on our core lineup, particularly our Basecamp beers. When we first conceptualized these styles, we aimed for them to be staples year-round, and in most cases, it appears that we've hit the mark with these brews. It's immensely satisfying to see customers returning time and time again for their favorite Basecamp beer, knowing that we've crafted something they truly enjoy.
Additionally, we take great pride in our seasonal releases. We've always aimed to create brews that not only attract attention when they are released – but become seasonally something our customers look forward to. Our Shilelagh Irish Ale, Matawil Mexican Lager, Squanto’s Pumpkin Ale, and other seasonal offerings are often sold out before they are released. These beers showcase our commitment to the craft and our willingness to experiment to create special beers.
Talk about the importance of brand?
The importance of our brand at Lost Worlds Brewing goes far beyond just a name and a logo; it's about creating a distinct identity and a memorable experience for our customers. From the very beginning, we've been committed to differentiating our brands.
One way we've achieved this is by ensuring that our brand permeates every aspect of our business, from the beers we brew to the programs we offer and the events we participate in. Whether it's hosting a themed archaeology dinner, a book signing about the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, or filling our taproom with artifacts that evoke a sense of adventure and discovery, we're always looking for opportunities to reinforce our brand essence and connect with our guests on a deeper level.
At our new location, we've taken this commitment even further by incorporating QR codes that allow guests to learn the stories behind our beers when exploring taproom artifacts. By sharing these narratives, we not only enhance the overall experience but also strengthen the bond between our brand and our customers.
As we expand and open new locations like our upcoming taproom in Charlotte on April 13th, we're careful to carry forward what makes our brand special while also enriching and adding detail to it. Another example is with the Winston-Salem Dash in Truist Stadium. When the event taproom in Winston-Salem was being created, we drew heavily on the themes of travel and adventure, which are central to our brand identity. This approach ensures that no matter where our customers encounter us, they'll always recognize and appreciate the Lost Worlds brand.
Why is Lost Worlds expanding during what feels like a downturn for craft brewing/beer?
Lost Worlds Brewing's decision to expand during what may feel like a downturn for the craft brewing industry is driven by several factors, reflecting both our understanding of industry dynamics and our commitment to our brand's growth and evolution.
From my consulting background, I recognize industries go through lifecycles. In the early years of craft beer, simply opening a local brewery was sufficient to attract customers. However, as the market matured, new entrants including investors with no brewing experience but deep pockets, entered the market. This market evolution requires breweries to differentiate themselves not only through their beer but also through their business strategies and branding.
Moreover, many older breweries were established in locations where real estate costs were lower, but as rents increase and competition grows, we’ve seen several breweries struggle to adapt. However, we see this challenge as an opportunity. By leveraging our strong brand, quality beer, and community-focused approach, we aim to thrive in competitive markets by offering a unique experience that draws people in.
Our expansion strategy is strategic and innovative. We're exploring opportunities beyond traditional brewery settings, such as greenways and ballparks, where we can create memorable experiences in unique locations. By evolving from just a brewery to an entertainment company, we're tapping into broader market trends and meeting the changing demands of consumers who seek more than just great beer—they want immersive experiences and connection.
What’s next for Lost Worlds?
Over the last year, we’ve been closely studying unique business strategies like those employed by the Savannah Bananas Minor League Baseball Team, who have successfully transitioned from a traditional model to an entertainment-focused experience. The result is sold-out events throughout their season. Inspired by these innovative approaches, we’re continually seeking ways to make Lost Worlds more interesting.
Looking ahead, our focus is on challenging ourselves to take the road less traveled, constantly questioning our strategies and exploring new opportunities. While it's difficult to predict the exact path we'll take, it's imperative that we remain adaptable and open to evolution. Our goal is to reinvest in our company to enhance our offerings, making Lost Worlds Brewing not just a place to enjoy great beer, but a destination for immersive experiences and entertainment.
By embracing creativity and a willingness to explore new avenues, we aim to ensure that Lost Worlds remains relevant and compelling in an ever-changing market landscape. We can never lose our commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction.
Lastly, what best adventure you’ve been on lately?
One of the best adventures I've been on lately involved immersing myself in the rich traditions and pageantry of opening day at Oktoberfest in Munich. It was an opportunity to conduct firsthand research, soaking in the atmosphere and bringing back the best elements to enhance our own experiences at Lost Worlds Brewing.
By venturing out and embracing new experiences, I'm constantly learning and gaining inspiration to enhance what we offer at Lost Worlds. I also had an amazing adventure as part of the excavation team with AFAR at Zorita Castle in Spain. This, of course, led to our Zorita Hazy IPA (just scan the QR code in the taproom for the whole story!)