September 30th, 2026
Fullsteam Brewery Opens Its “Durham Forever Home” at American Tobacco Campus
New taproom, restaurant, lounge and theater in the historic Power Plant add to ATC’s growing social hub
DURHAM, N.C. (September 30, 2026) — Fullsteam Brewery and CBC Real Estate celebrate the opening of Fullsteam ATC in the historic Power Plant Building at American Tobacco Campus (ATC).
The roughly 9,000-square-foot space sits between ATC’s iconic water tower and Lucky Strike smokestack. It includes a taproom, a restaurant, a lounge, and a 100-seat theater and events space, with indoor and outdoor seating for gathering before a show at DPAC or after a Durham Bulls game. The food program is led by acclaimed chef and baker Phoebe Lawless, whose menu is built to complement Fullsteam’s “Plow to Pint” approach to Southern, locally sourced beer.
The build out is nearly two years in the making after Fullsteam closed its previous location on Rigsbee Avenue in Durham. The opening at ATC is the result of tremendous effort and collaboration to convert this unique historic building into a versatile, modern destination for entertainment, dining and socializing. Wilson’s vision was brought to life with the help of a diverse team: Gateway Building Company, Mauer Architecture and Will Aphin, Sundholm Studio, and the CBC Real Estate team including CBC Project Manager Drew Harms.
“We are thrilled to officially open our Durham Forever Home at ATC,” said Fullsteam founder and owner Sean Lilly Wilson. “Durham has been so good to us over the years, and we couldn’t have dreamed of a better place to start our next chapter with this community.”
Fullsteam is a significant addition to American Tobacco Campus, joining slew of North Carolina-based eateries and bars that have opened here in recent years, including Boricua Soul, Parker & Otis, Press, Queenburger, Seraphine, The Waiting Room, Ment Beverage Co., Lutra Café & Bakery and East of Texas.
“Every single retailer at American Tobacco brings its own tastes, vibes and appeal for Durham’s diverse community, and Fullsteam does the same,” added Eli Bell, Director of Leasing at CBC Real Estate. “Sean has been a pioneer for the craft beer industry in this state for decades, but he also has a distinct talent for connecting to the local culture. We can’t wait to see people learn about all that he and his team will program in this space, including the Fullsteam Theater, Stoker Club and Lucky’s Den and Patio.”
Founded in 2010, Fullsteam is Durham’s oldest craft brewery and the world’s first certified Regenified® brewery. Its longstanding “Plow to Pint” mission has directed more than $1 million toward Southern farms and food producers. Many of the beers served at Fullsteam ATC are brewed at Fullsteam’s small-batch innovation facility at Rocky Mount Mills, also part of CBC Real Estate’s portfolio of properties. Founder Sean Lilly Wilson and chef Phoebe Lawless bring a combined nine James Beard Award semifinalist recognitions to the new Durham location, where Fullsteam’s focus on Southern agriculture, food, beer and hospitality comes together under one roof.
About CBC Real Estate
CBC Real Estate (CBC), a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, is a leading developer, owner, and operator of historic and mixed-use properties across North and South Carolina. Since 2001, CBC has developed over three million square feet of office, multifamily, and retail space. Notable projects include the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC; Bandwidth Inc.’s headquarters campus in Raleigh, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC. Proudly based in Durham, North Carolina, CBC Real Estate is dedicated to strengthening communities through purposeful and impactful development.