When Brawley set out to renovate his Charlotte craft beer shop, Brawley’s Beverage, there was one main theme: family. Brawley wanted a place where you could bring your mom or dad, or your son or daughter (and friends, too, of course), and have a good time. You’re likely to see members of his family, too, including his mother, Jean, and daughter, Piper.

Brawley, who opened his store in 2003, long before the craft-beer boom in Charlotte, now has a small but beautiful tasting room that’s full most nights of the week. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows beckon you to come in from Park Road and try one of the 20 featured beers on tap while getting a lesson in local craft with the man known to many as “The Godfather of Charlotte Beer.”