It is It is not often that a "date night" turns into a career. A life time together perhaps, but a life changing career? But that’s the course Mara and Paul Shelton found themselves on back in 2004.

"We were a young married couple, didn’t have much money, and had small children at home," explains Mara. "We signed-up for a home brew seminar as part of an inexpensive (and unique) date night out. We had so much fun we then got into the home brew business." Fast forward and the pair have now graduated from home brewing to full-fledged brewery.

Welcome to Tobacco Wood Brewing Company — one of the anchors of downtown Oxford. While the jump from a garage to an 8,000 square foot space may sound daunting, the pair’s history in business and service helped smooth the transition (a little). Paul’s experience in sales prepared them for the ebbs and flow of business. A practicing nurse, Mara is used to responding to ever-changing situations. Her "never get flustered" approach harkens back to her time in the military. "You can’t panic under fire, you just need to adjust and move forward," she recommends.

While proud to be the proprietor of the first woman-veteran owned brewery in North Carolina, it is the management training the service provided that is most carried forward from her time in the Army. "Our command structure very much reflects the military, everyone knowing not only their job but the responsibilities of those around them as well," describes Mara….also referred to as "CO" around the brewery. And like any good leader, she appreciates the team.

The kitchen team with combined restaurant experience of almost 20 years. They specialize in traditional BBQ innovation; flatbread, eggrolls, loaded potatoes, wings and a loaded nacho that is off the charts good.

Highly structured behind the scenes, Tobacco Wood is casual and friendly out front. The final "push" to open the brewery came from Paul and Mara’s son Ben (now an employee) who, while visiting a public house during a family vacation to England, observed the open, communal setting and questioned why such a place didn’t exist in the states. Consequently, Tobacco Wood is less a bar and more of a gathering place. It is not unusual to see children playing oversized Connect Four and other board games while their parents finish their meal and have a casual glass of beer. Little league teams (some sponsored by the brewery) come in after games. When Oxford’s weekly Farmer’s Market was recently threatened by rain, the whole production moved inside to the brewery – so as to be able to continue to serve the community.

"We looked at a number of communities before selecting Oxford," explains Mara, "We chose here because of the people and the beautiful downtown which has endless potential. Our mission is to not just to have a business, but to contribute to the charm and growth of Oxford."

While the atmosphere is inviting, make no mistake, the food and brews are the draw. The aroma from the BBQ pit fills the downtown air and the brews fill the glasses. From citrus infused beers to more robust options such as the Kilted Eddie, the options are wide and the popularity is growing. And not just with the patrons. Tobacco Wood competes in the Carolinas Championship of Beer and The NC Brewer’s Cup, and is a constant winner including being awarded a silver in Amber Ales for the entire state.

Put it all together and you have a uniquely fun, award-winning brewery that has grown from a simple garage to what many now consider Oxford’s front porch. For more information visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TobaccoWood/ or give them a call at (919) 725-9402.