The Tega Cay Economic Development Commission hosted its second Business Connect meeting on Wednesday, September 18th, in the Council Chambers at the Glennon Center. Designed to help local businesses network, share success stories, and foster relationships, the meeting featured Brad O’Connor of Model A Brewing, Tega Cay’s only brewery, as the guest speaker.
O’Connor shared the journey of Model A Brewing from its early challenges to its current success. One notable hurdle was purchasing the wrong chiller just before their opening, preventing them from brewing. In a quick response, O’Connor traveled to Greensboro to secure the correct equipment, enabling the brewery to open as planned.
Since its launch in December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Model A Brewing has grown and now employs 40 people. It has earned 12 national and world awards, competing against over 10,000 entries in various brewing competitions. The brewery began with five beers on tap and now offers twelve.
Model A’s brew room underwent modifications with the help of an architect to ensure efficiency. Despite being over budget and opening two months behind schedule, the team managed to build the bar themselves to save money, with an engineer friend assisting in the design. O’Connor highlighted that the cost of the brewing equipment alone reached $500,000.
One of the highlights of the brewery is its outdoor space, currently under renovation. The installation of a 25×80 pergola with motorized top and sides is underway, and the team hopes to have it ready for this weekend. The pergola, along with large fans that help lower temperatures on hot days, represents a $250,000 investment in customer comfort.
The Business Connect meeting saw over 20 local business owners in attendance. Each owner introduced themselves and their business, creating a valuable networking opportunity. Attendees were also entered into a drawing for a $40 Tega Cay Coffee Company gift card, adding a fun element to the event.
During the session, O’Connor touched on the importance of community engagement. “We didn’t have a specific strategy,” he explained, but Model A Brewing sponsors local sports teams and events, creating what O’Connor described as “a symbiotic relationship” with Tega Cay.
O’Connor also discussed the challenges of operating under South Carolina’s three-tier distribution laws, which require breweries to sell their products through distributors rather than directly to neighboring businesses. He noted that North Carolina recently amended its laws to allow self-distribution, a change that could benefit South Carolina brewers in the future.
When asked about potential expansions, O’Connor hinted that new locations might be possible but didn’t provide any immediate plans.
Looking to the future, O’Connor hinted at potential innovations, including experimenting with cask beer. While cask beer is less carbonated and served at a slightly warmer 54°F, it could appeal to a niche market. There was also a playful suggestion from the audience about collaborating with Tega Cay’s famous hot pepper grower, Ed Currie, to create a hot beer. Though O’Connor was intrigued by the idea, he noted the logistical challenges of cleaning the beer lines after brewing with capsaicin.
O’Connor’s final takeaway for aspiring business owners was that running a brewery requires flexibility, creativity, and a strong connection to the community.
Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, including a shutdown when all staff members contracted COVID-19 shortly after opening, Model A Brewing has become a beloved part of the Tega Cay community. O’Connor’s story is one of perseverance, community support, and innovation—qualities that continue to drive the brewery’s success.
