Veteran businessman Mike Potter has launched his latest venture, making history as the founder of Durham’s first ever Black-owned brewery. The aptly named Proximity Brewing opened to the public on December 3rd, serving craft beers celebrating North Carolina flavor.
Launchpad For A Longtime Passion
Potter’s entrepreneurial career began in printing, but his passion for beer brewing started much earlier. He recalls first falling in love with brewing back in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
Though he attempted some initial homemade batches years ago, the complexities of commercial brewing temporarily tabled his plans.
Still, Potter remained dedicated to the industry by starting Black Brew Culture, an organization promoting Black brewers. “I could assist people with recommendations, plugs, referrals. That’s the idea behind Black Brew Culture,” he told Forbes. Now with Proximity, he’s realized his brewery ownership dreams.
Collaborating With North Carolina’s Brew Talents
In bringing his vision to life, Potter collaborated with some of North Carolina’s top breweries like Fullsteam and Resident Culture.
“We wanna create beers and products that reflect on the rich cultural heritage of Durham, definitely past African American history,” Potter explained. True to those words, Proximity’s initial offerings feature uniquely Tar Heel ingredients.
The taproom also showcases other local, Black-owned drink producers like Melanated Wine and Old Hillside Bourbon. Potter is even teaming up with Fayetteville’s Dirtbag Ales on a specialty brew for 2023’s Blacktoberfest celebration.
An Inclusive, Community-Oriented Brewery
Based in East Durham amongst several other Black-owned businesses, Proximity aims to be a community hub. Its indoor bar and lounge plus outdoor patio offers spaces for patrons to gather.
Potter also prioritizes inclusion, once finding it difficult to connect with other Black brewers. Now he’s created an environment where everyone has a seat at the table.
As the first ever in a city brimming with breweries, Proximity promises to resonate for years to come. Potter and his partners’ passion will surely produce both terrific beer and lasting impact.
