by thesavageway | Jan 22, 2015 | services
It’s pretty hard for us to resist two of our favorite things – good friends and good beer – so when we were invited to attend the Media Night for Charlotte’s next beer festival coming this spring, we knew that we would be in for a treat.
On Monday, we joined several other media members at Draught Charlotte for the announcement of Creative Loafing’s Moo & Brew Craft Beer & Burger Festival sponsored by Stone Brewing Company and Sysco. This new event will be kicking off on April 11, 2015 from 2pm – 6pm at the NC Music Factory festival grounds. The premise of the festival is to bring together “great craft beer, delicious burgers and great music!”

Moo & Brew Festival coming April 11, 2015 to the NC Music Factory.
Though the specifics are not yet released, it was announced that over 40 craft breweries will be on hand, as well as 15+ food purveyors for this inaugural event. The twist with this beer fest is that food vendors are vying for the title of “Creative Loafing’s Best Burger.”
Burgers and beer?! Yes please! The panel of “burger-testers” (what a lucky panel!) will vote for their pick via text and the winner will be announced at the festival! However, it is really all about enjoying the day and sampling some of Charlotte’s best beer and burger places.
The creative team behind Moo & Brew consists of Amy Mularski from Creative Loafing, Ken Thomas from the NC Music Factory, and one of the busiest women in Charlotte, the Social Media Cowgirl herself, Corri Smith.

The Social Media Cowgirl, Corri Smith (photo via @VTGCLT on Instagram)
Another member of the event is a veteran in the beer festival world, Cesar Leyva, co-host for Cheers Charlotte and Director of Marketing for Charlotte Oktoberfest. “I’m involved to make sure that the beer is good,” said Levya during the media night, “Charlotte and North Carolina will be well-represented.”
Moo & Brew is about the beer and the burgers, however there is also a focus on great music. The headlining band was announced as national touring act, Langhorne Slim, along with local favorite Ancient Cities. Click here for a breakdown of the day’s schedule.

Langhorne Slim photo by Todd Roeth

Ancient Cities via www.ancientcitiesband.com
Big thank you to Draught and Stone Brewing Co. for the hospitality. Draught put out a spread of yummy bites including a jalapeño cheese dip with soft pretzels (melt in your mouth good). We were also were treated to Stone’s Lucky Bastrd, an anniversary blend of dry-hopped Arrogant Bastard Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale and Double Bastard Ale (and it was delicious).
You may think, “Oh it’s just another beer festival” but any event that showcases the amazing food, beer and music that Charlotte and North Carolina offers should be supported! You can purchase your tickets here beginning on Monday, January 26. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets run at $65 (with an early entrance at 12:30 and other perks). A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
by thesavageway | Aug 12, 2014 | services
What do you get when you combine 34 varieties of craft beer on tap, a delicious chef-driven menu and close proximity to the Bank of America Stadium? You get two very happy #thesavageway ladies!
Last week, we had the honor of attending Media Night for one of the newest spots in the Queen City, Draught.

Draught is located off of Cedar Street in Charlotte’s Third Ward (in the former Hartigan’s location).
When entering Draught, you immediately notice the warm wood walls, industrial lighting fixtures and open floor plan. Turn the corner and you are treated to a beautiful mural on the back wall courtesy of Matt Moore and Matt Hooker. (these amazing artists were painting live during the media event.) Talk about a showstopper.

Head downstairs and you enter the “overflow area” on a busy night / beautiful private event space. A second bar, separate bathrooms and private dining are sure to be key to getting Charlotteans to want to have their next party here. Details on rentals are still being discussed but this appears to be the perfect setting for a rehearsal dinner, birthday party or holiday festivities.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, yet the appeal as a sports bar remains intact. There are plenty of televisions (32 to be exact) to catch your favorite sports team and the addition of the garage style doors will prove to be a huge asset to this Uptown location. Everyone loves a patio here in Charlotte, and Draught is no exception.
When it comes to the food, we were more than impressed. Being a draft beer bar, we expected the usual bar-type foods, however we were pleasantly surprised when deviled eggs and avocado salsa were brought to the table as appetizers.

Deviled Egg Trio: traditional with house dill pickle – avocado stuffed with confit red onion – crab stuffed dusted in old bay with preserved lemon aioli

Avocado Salsa: diced avocado, tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime sour cream, house chips
The menu continues to surprise with the likes of Tequila Lime Shrimp with Rice, Hoisin Glazed Scallops, Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps and what seemed to be a huge hit – Kitchen Sink Meatloaf.

Tequila Lime Shrimp with Rice
All in all, Draught has done a great job with renovations and recreating a space that appeals to both men and women. Solid drink and food offerings too! You will definitely find #thesavageway ladies hanging out at this gem! Welcome to Charlotte!
Draught
Address: 601 S. Cedar Street
Website: http://www.draughtcharlotte.com/
Prices Range: $6 – $18
Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-12am / Thurs-Sat 11am-2am
by thesavageway | Apr 14, 2014 | clean graffiti
Here at #thesavageway, we are taking a moment from the hectic pace of the everyday to look back at some of our awesome past clients.

About ‘Stache House Bar and Lounge:
Located in Charlotte’s historic South End neighborhood this bar and lounge features high-end liquor, craft beer and a variety of flavored hookah. Stop in any night of the week (expect Monday when they are closed) and you are sure to groove to a wide array of DJ’s with music ranging from neo-soul and jazz to house and 80’s dance pop.
We began working for ‘Stache House during the construction phase of their Historic SouthEnd location at the end of 2012. Getting to join/contribute to the branding conversation from the beginning is beyond ideal and one that we do not always get to participate in. We were recruited by Morgan Tadlock, formerly General Manager, Partner and Creative Director.
We focused on creating their brand and identifying their target market. This project was also the first opportunity we had to work with Pink Toast Ink – an extremely talented local graphic designer. Here are some examples of the ‘Stache House branding we created.



Beyond the branding, we consulted with the owners of ‘Stache House on their Social Media and creating their Areas of Content (or what they should be talking about online).



One of the elements of our company that we thoroughly enjoy is getting to create and work big events. We planned the ‘Stache House Grand Opening celebration in January of 2013. Complete with Media Night, VIP Party and Opening Night.


The media and crowds came out in full support of this fun, new bar/lounge and hookah bar. We were beyond happy with the support from the community and knew that the owners of this hip, new hot spot were happy with a job well done.
Fast forward to February 2014, we recently rekindled our relationship with ‘Stache House through an eco-friendly Clean Graffiti campaign in the SouthEnd neighborhood.
(Clean Graffiti is an eco-friendly and green form of advertising. These branded, positive messages are strategically placed on dirty sidewalks and a clean message remains. Not only is this an innovative and creative way to get a business’ marketing initiatives out to the public in a place that you typically would not be able to have a logo or message, but there is no use of any harmful chemicals or sprays – It’s just water!)


Work Hard. ‘Stache Hard.
by thesavageway | Dec 20, 2013 | services
Here at #thesavageway we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the awesome things that the Queen City has done/offered this year, things that have affected our lives and frankly things that we have just captured our hearts.
6 Things We Discovered about Charlotte in 2013
(In no particular order):
1. Basketball is Back: The Charlotte Hornets are coming home! The NBA announced that at the turn of the season, after 9 years, the Charlotte Bobcats will officially change back to the Charlotte Hornets. It is great seeing our city come together and it will be interesting to see the change in marketing and promotion! #BuzzCity
2. Food Truck Friday: Many nights were spent under the sunset of a perfect Carolina sky with a plethora of yummy food options at Food Truck Friday. Fan favorites include the likes of Papi Queso, Tin Kitchen & Herban Legend (to name a few); all while enjoying a craft beer from Common Market . Southend is booming and we will continue to support this community driven event!
3. Farmers Markets: #thesavageway team agreed to do the Whole 30 Paleo Challenge along with other gym-mates from CrossFit 704 this past fall. And yes, challenge is a great word for it – click here for more information. When one goes Paleo, it is imperative to have fresh, healthy options – enter Farmers Markets. We fell in love with Atherton Market, Community Supported Agriculture from Know Your Farms and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Thank you Charlotte farmers for giving us such great options. Support local whenever possible, it really does make a difference.
4. Kombucha: #thesavageway often is asked why we drink Kombucha? Two words – Stupid Good! Seriously, where has this been all of our lives? Our favorite is the local brewery Lenny Boy. Looking for #thesavageway Christmas gift ideas – a growler or two from this health haven would look perfect under the tree – just saying!
**We really love Kombucha for the health benefits – especially the probiotics. Check out this link for more information or just ask the guys at Lenny Boy.
5. NoDa Brewing CAN get even Cooler: #thesavageway has a soft spot for the NoDa Brewing Company – be it the stellar beer, creative staff or overall branding, we are both big supporters of the Suzie & Todd crew down the street. 2013 brought about big things for our local favorite with the announcement that they would begin canning Hop Drop and Roll and Jam Session! As NoDa neighbors we were stoked, as marketers we were impressed and as friends we were proud! Click here for more information. #ShowYourCans
6. Music: As you may know, #thesavageway is big into music, check out this Christmas playlist. We were able to hone in that musical obsession throughout Charlotte in 2013. The Queen City saw everything from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Matrimony Band to Drake and the AWOL Festival . There is not a night in the city where there is not some form of live music going on: some of our favorite venues include The Evening Muse , The Chop Shop, Neighborhood Theatre , The Double Door Inn . Oh and while not a Charlotte specific discovery, how could the year in music be summarized without a shout out to the best use of social media EVER to release an album – Beyonce you are truly the QueenBey!
As Charlotte continues to grow, we look forward to making more discoveries and finding new obsessions. So here’s to 2014 and the many talented people and amazing small businesses out there, be sure to support them! Stay positive and remember to be kind – always.
Happy Holidays!
Torrie & Paula