Celebrating Five Years of Crafting Community and Adventure
This year, Lost Worlds Brewing proudly marks its 5th anniversary since opening its doors in Cornelius. Over the past five years, the brewery has become a popular gathering spot for adventure seekers and beer enthusiasts and a hub for entertainment in the Lake Norman community.
We sat down with founder Dave Hamme and some key players in the start-up and growth of Lost Worlds to share their memories over the last five years. Here’s what Hamme had to say in this speed round of reflection:
2020: "Opening during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a trial by fire. The community's unwavering support, from purchasing to-go beers to sharing words of encouragement, was invaluable."
2021: "The kindness of strangers amazed us—people bringing food for our Adventure Guides and sharing artifacts for our taproom. It truly showcased the spirit of our patrons."
2022: "It's been incredible to witness our Oktoberfest evolve from a simple idea into one of the region's premier celebrations. Each year, the enthusiasm and participation from our community have exceeded our expectations, and we're excited to see how it continues to grow."
2023: “As our brewery grew, new employees and guests joined our ranks. I never expected to meet such a collection of interesting and talented individuals. Each of them continue to leave their mark on the Lost Worlds community. Today, we are a collection of friends, regardless of which side of the bar we stand.”
2024: "Reflecting on our journey, it's exhilarating to see our vision materialize with the opening of two distinctive locations: the Metropolitan in Charlotte and our taproom at the Winston-Salem Dash. These ventures allow us to deliver our brand in unique settings, connecting with diverse communities. And we're just getting started!"
2025: "Reimagining our brand led us to introduce Lost Worlds Coffee, transforming our Cornelius taproom into a vibrant community space from early morning until late at night. This initiative allows us to connect with our patrons in new and meaningful ways, and just wait, we have an even bigger announcement to make at our 5-year anniversary party of Saturday, April 5th!
Harrison Holder, brewing Lost Worlds beer since 2020
"When Dave and the team invited me to move my Saturday markets to Lost Worlds after COVID, it felt like a fresh start after such a challenging year. Our first Christmas market there was particularly special, as it symbolized resilience and renewal. Witnessing the community's unwavering support for these events over the years has been truly heartwarming. Bringing together businesses, both large and small, to create a vibrant marketplace is something I'm deeply passionate about. It's an honor to be part of the Lost Worlds team and contribute to fostering these connections."
— Christine Rinkert, Lost Worlds Market Partner
"At Lost Worlds Brewing, our foremost goal is to craft beers that create memorable experiences for our guests. While we're honored by the recognition from esteemed organizations like the Great American Beer Festival, the North Carolina Brewers Cup, and the Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance, these accolades are truly a reflection of the support and enthusiasm of our patrons. It's their appreciation that inspires us to continually innovate and strive for excellence in every brew."
Christine Rinkert, Lost Worlds Market Partner (L), Dave Hamme (C), Sherri Johnson (R)
"Being part of Lost Worlds Brewing from the beginning has been one of the greatest highlights of my career. Helping Dave Hamme bring this brand to life—building it from the ground up, creating experiences that bring our community together, growing our marketing reach, and exploring innovative partnerships—has been an incredible journey. I’m proud of how far we’ve come in five years and excited for what’s next."
— Sherri Johnson, Head of Marketing & PR