Let real estate agent, Britney Kensmoe, take you on a stroll inside Holly Springs and introduce you to the amazing small business owners of Holly Springs, North Carolina. Holly Springs is the city of southern charm that boasts an abundance of local businesses, an up and coming downtown scene along with delicious eats along the way.

Steve Smith and Catherine Nicholson are dog lovers and craft beer connoisseurs who dreamed of opening their own bottle shop. In May 2017 their life took an unexpected turn when Steve was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. On New Year’s Eve of that year, with Steve in recovery after surgery and radioactive therapy, the pair realized that they didn’t want to waste another minute of their life not pursuing their passion. They decided to take a chance on their dream and on September 10, 2018 they opened Black Dog Bottle Shop.

Black Dog Bottle Shop is Holly Springs’ first bottle shop. Their shelves feature hundreds of craft beers, everything from IPAs to sours to ciders and more. Grab a can, create your own six-pack, or order a pint of one of their 20 rotating taps that highlight local North Carolina brews and exceptional beers from around the United States. They welcome outside food, so feel free to find a table, crack open a cold one, and stay awhile. Black Dog Bottle Shop is for beer lovers old and new and, of course, your canine pals are welcome too. Steve and Catherine have built more than a bottle shop: they have formed a community where you can learn all about beer, explore new styles, learn your own palate, and make new friends in a relaxed and laid-back environment. 

Black Dog Bottle Shop got its name from Steve and Catherine’s beloved black dogs Bentley (who is proudly displayed on their logo) and Gypsy. The couple wanted their store’s name to help raise awareness of Black Dog Syndrome, a phenomenon in pet adoption where black dogs are less likely to get adopted because of negative preconceptions. Black Dog Bottle Shop desires to encourage and fund dog adoptions (especially black dog adoptions) through hosting their annual Animal Rescue Giving Tree around the holidays and various dog adoption events throughout the year. They have donated thousands of dollars and over 3,000 pounds of dog food to animal rescue groups. They also sponsor numerous events including Holly Springs Salamanders Opening Night, the North Carolina Spring Classic 8k/16k, and the South Wake Beer Mile.

Learn more about them here:
Black Dog Bottle Shop
140 W. Holly Springs Rd. Holly Springs • 
Black Dog Bottle Shop