POSTED IN THIS ISSUE
Issue #6 · Friday, October 16, 2026
Inside This Issue: The #VisitChatham Bus Tour series stops at The Plant, where Lyle Estill explains how about 20 businesses, from a distillery to Jamaican and Mexican kitchens, ended up on Lorax Lane more or less by accident.
Early voting is open through Oct. 31 at five sites around the county.
Around Chatham, the town wants your comments on Chatham Park’s South Village by Oct. 27, Pittsboro approved 72 Habitat for Humanity townhomes, and the Chatham Chamber is awarding ten $2,500 grants to small businesses.
LET’S GET INTO THE POST →
FEATURE STORY
“An Accidental Collection of Businesses”
Next Stop on the Chatham Bus Tour Series: Lyle Estill on biodiesel, bureaucracy and the Pittsboro campus he says they built backwards
Lyle Estill of Fair Game Beverage Company and The Plant.
If you had assumed The Plant was a single venue, it is not. Lyle Estill hopped on the #VisitChatham Bus Tour on our way over, and before he explained what The Plant actually is, he corrected his own introduction.
“Rebecca said we’re a brewery,” he told the bus, “but distillers look down their noses at breweries.” The dig was met with a small dust-up of laughter that rumbled through the bus crowd.
Estill is a distiller. He owns and operates Fair Game Beverage Company, the distillery at The Plant on Lorax Lane in Pittsboro. By his count, The Plant is home to about 20 locally owned businesses. Calling it an intentional business community is a great compliment, he said, but it isn’t what they call themselves.
“We are an accidental collection of businesses,” he said. They “kind of bumble along,” and in hindsight, he figures, “we probably did it entirely wrong.”
Built backwards
The smart play, as Estill sees it, would have gone like this: “If you had any brains at all, what you would do is you would put all the alcohol in the center, and you would own all of that, and then you would let everyone fight it out for the scraps around the side.”
That is not what happened.
“We went in and put in wine, and distillery, and beer, and mead, and then said, Oh, man, we gotta get some food. So then we went scrambling and got some food, and we became this food, beverage, and entertainment destination. And that’s what we are now.”
In my opinion, this is the happiest accident I have ever come across.
Where to eat
Jason Rhoden, owner of Kingston 99 Kitchen at The Plant.
Kingston 99 Kitchen is Jason Rhoden’s Jamaican restaurant, and it honors his mother, a Jamaican chef. The menu runs from jerk chicken and oxtail to red pea soup, and Sundays bring a brunch buffet. It is Jamaican food I will be going back for.
Ta’ Contento serves Mexican food: tacos, fajitas, and seasonal specials. It also runs two food trucks, one of them for coffee and pastries.
For drinks, Estill’s next-door neighbor is Starrlight Mead, which makes wine from honey. Across the street is bmc brewing. Add a music scene he calls “pretty active,” poetry and axe throwing, and the fiber artists who are starting to sign up. “You’re going to start seeing the yarn weirdos concentrating at the plant shortly,” he said.
“Spirits, bloody murder”
Before spirits, there was biodiesel. Estill made it at The Plant and “gave it a college try for many years from 2005 to about 2018.” The fuel business runs on financial tools a small producer doesn’t have. “I couldn’t go long. I couldn’t hedge. I didn’t have any of the things that you need to be in the fuel business, and I lost my shirt.”
Meanwhile, as he put it, “the world’s largest real estate development broke out on my head.”
Making spirits put him at the hard end of the state’s alcohol laws. “In North Carolina, wine gets treated as a sacrament, and beer gets treated as a food, and spirits, whiskey, gets treated as the devil. Ten times more difficult.” Mead, cider, beer and wine are easy, he said. “Spirits, bloody murder.”
Someone on the tour asked how much he writes off each week in drinking on the job. His answer started with the obvious: “First of all, in order to have a write-off, you need to have a profit.”
Then he got to the paperwork. The federal government tracks every drop of spirits in the building, at every proof level. If a bottle breaks on the concrete floor, Fair Game has to report it. On the 15th of every month, one employee does nothing but file reports with the federal government. “Uncle Sam still treats spirits sort of like it’s 1929 Prohibition era of Byzantine laws, very complicated.”
The product that comes out on the other side, totally worth the sacrifice.
The Wheelhouse at The Plant.
The art, too
Before any of it, Estill spent 10 years as a studio artist. He was on the Chatham County Studio Tour and made big chess sets, which some people may remember from Fearrington and the Museum of Life and Science. Some of the art around The Plant is left over from those days. Some of it is new.
Inside Fair Game
At the distillery, Rob Hamlet, Fair Game’s distillery operations manager, filled in the rest. Fair Game is North Carolina’s 13th distillery. It started out making fruited and fortified wines from scuppernong and muscadine grapes, and set some spirits to rest in barrels at the same time. Today the lineup includes rum, apple brandy, malt whiskey, gin, pepper vodka, a Jamaican rum and a rye whiskey, and the shop carries North Carolina beer, wine, cider and food products from around the state.
He had me at muscadine. Fair Game doesn’t make its own anymore, but it still carries muscadine wine.
Then there is the apple brandy. Fair Game brings in thousands of pounds of apples from orchards across Western North Carolina, presses them into juice, turns the juice into cider, and runs the cider through the still. Then the brandy rests, “hopefully 4 to 5 years,” Hamlet said.
I told him I’m coming back for the brandy, and that he had just gained a new patron. “We would love to have you,” he said. “We have lots of events here.”
This week, that is an understatement. Pittsboro Pride takes over The Plant on Saturday night and Sunday, and the circus raises its big top for its opening weekend. Kiki’s Comedy Club is at Fair Game next Thursday, and the Bazaar Night Market fills the grounds next Friday. On Sunday, Oct. 25, Apple Fest brings an apple pie competition, a cider talk at Starrlight Mead, and an apple brandy talk and tasting with Estill himself at Fair Game. Details are in the events below.
The Plant
220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
Fair Game Beverage Company, 192 Lorax Lane
Kingston 99 Kitchen, 192B Lorax Lane
Ta’ Contento, 193 Lorax Lane, Unit B
Both restaurants are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
The #VisitChatham Bus Tour is presented by Vector Security and sponsored by Fidelity Bank, organized by The Chatham Chamber. The Pittsboro Post is covering each stop as a feature series.
We want to thank NC Estate Services for sponsoring this issue!
YOUR CHATHAM WEEKEND
🎨 FINALLY FRIDAYS ARTS WALK AND MASK PARADE: TONIGHT
When: 5–8 p.m.; parade sign-up at 5, parade at 6, judging and contests 7–8
Where: Starts at the Downtown Pop-Up Park, 50 W. Salisbury St., Pittsboro, and ends at the SOCO Patio, 39 West St.
Cost: Free
The monthly downtown arts walk adds a costume and mask parade for people and pets, a pumpkin carving contest, and face and pumpkin painting at Page Vernon Park.
🎶 SILER CITY DOWNTOWN MUSIC SERIES: TONIGHT
When: 6–9 p.m.
Where: NC Arts Incubator, 223 N. Chatham Ave., Siler City
Cost: Free
Impulse Machine plays an outdoor show presented by the NC Arts Incubator and The Chatham Rabbit, with kids’ activities and food vendors. It is the series’ only October date.
🌽 HUCKLEBERRY TRAIL FARM FALL FESTIVAL: WEEKENDS
When: Saturdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sundays 1–6 p.m.
Where: Huckleberry Trail Farm, 143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City
Cost: Admission ticket required
A corn maze, tractor-drawn hayrides, a pumpkin patch and a cotton patch, weekends through Oct. 31. This weekend is Scout Weekend, with $10 admission for scouts in uniform.
🎃 TRUNK OR TREAT FALL FESTIVAL: SAT., OCT. 17
When: 2–5 p.m.
Where: Southwest District Park, N.C. 902, Bear Creek
Cost: Free admission and parking
Pumpkin carving and painting, Halloween games and crafts, a photo booth, a bounce house and a hay hunt from 2 to 4, then trunk-or-treat from 4 to 5. Leashed pets are welcome.
🎪 WALKER AND MAGNUS TRAVELLING CIRCUS: WEEKENDS, OCT. 17–NOV. 1
When: All-ages shows Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.; evening shows for ages 16 and up on select dates
Where: The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
Cost: $20 adults, $10 ages 12 and under
Kuro Neko Circus Co. raises a big top for aerialists, acrobats, jugglers and clowns, with a Museum of Curiosities to explore before the show.
🌈 PRIDE DRAG SHOW AND DANCE PARTY: SAT., OCT. 17
When: 6–10 p.m.
Where: The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
The outdoor kickoff to Pittsboro Pride, with drag performances, music and dancing. Ages 13 and up.
🌈 PITTSBORO PRIDE FESTIVAL AND PARADE: SUN., OCT. 18
When: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
The Chatham Pride Alliance hosts a day of celebration, connection and community. The full schedule is online.
🐯 TWILIGHT TOURS AT CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE: WEEKENDS THROUGH OCT. 31
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, about 90 minutes
Where: Carolina Tiger Rescue, 1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro
Cost: $32; ages 18 and up; advance tickets required
Guests have the sanctuary to themselves after the day’s work is done. The season ends Oct. 31.
🥕 FARMERS MARKETS THIS WEEK
Chatham Mills Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon, 480 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro
Fearrington Farmers Market: Tuesdays, 4–6 p.m., Fearrington Village
Siler City Growers & Makers Market: Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m., NC Arts Incubator courtyard, 223 N. Chatham Ave., Siler City
Pittsboro Farmers Market: Thursdays, 3–6 p.m., Pittsboro Pop-Up Park
Briar Chapel Farmers Market: Fridays, 4–6 p.m., Great Meadow Park
COMING UP THROUGH OCT. 30
🎉 WEBB SQUARED’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY: THU., OCT. 22
When: 5–8 p.m.
Where: 79°West Innovation Hub, 120 Mosaic Blvd., Pittsboro
WEBB Squared, Wealth Through Entrepreneurship for Black and Brown Businesses, marks five years of supporting rural small businesses. Networking and heavy hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 6, then music, awards and remembrances. Changemaker Awards go to CORE, NC IDEA and Partners in Racial Justice.
🎤 KIKI’S COMEDY CLUB: THU., OCT. 22
When: 7–9 p.m.
Where: Fair Game Beverage Company, 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
Stand-up from The Wheelhouse in Fair Game’s tasting room, curated by comedian Kiki Wynns, with a different lineup of North Carolina comics every show. Tickets are $20.
🛍 BAZAAR NIGHT MARKET AT THE PLANT: FRI., OCT. 23
When: 4–9 p.m., live music from 6
Where: The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
Cost: Free
Local vendors, food and an evening to wander The Plant’s shops and gathering spaces.
👻 SPIRITS OF PITTSBORO’S PAST: OCT. 23–25
When: 5:30 p.m. each night
Where: Starts at the Historic Chatham Courthouse, 9 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro
Cost: $25 for Chatham County Historical Association members, $30 for nonmembers; tickets online only
The historical association’s walking tour of downtown folklore, with costumed “spirits” along the way. All three nights are now sold out, but there is a waitlist.
🎉 BYNUM FRONT PORCH TURNS 20: OCT. 23–24
When: Anniversary gala Friday, doors at 6 p.m., 7–9:30 p.m.; Mill Town Yarns Saturday, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Bynum General Store, 950 Bynum Road, Bynum
Cost: Gala tickets on a sliding scale of $20, $25 or $30, and they are limited; Saturday is free, with donations welcome
Friday’s fundraiser brings Sinatra-and-Dean-Martin-style music from Mr. Wonderful and his band, dancing and a raffle, and 1950s and ’60s cocktail attire is encouraged. Saturday has stories about folk artist Clyde Jones, a reading by Emma Skurnick from “Becoming a Local,” and local bluegrass players.
🌳 JORDAN LAKE TRAIL DAY: SAT., OCT. 24
When: 9 a.m.–noon
Where: Poe’s Ridge Boat Ramp, 935 Jordan Dam Road, Moncure
Volunteers work on the trails and pick up litter near Jordan Lake. Ages 10 and up; minors need a guardian. Register in advance.
🎨 SPOOKY SCENES COLLAGE CLASS: SAT., OCT. 24
When: 10 a.m.–noon
Where: The Arts Center, 964 East St., Suite 105, Pittsboro
A Halloween paper collage class for ages 5 to 13 with instructor Rebecca Bagley. Supplies are included. Register through Chatham County Parks & Recreation.
🌽 FLASHLIGHT MAZE AT HUCKLEBERRY TRAIL FARM: SAT., OCT. 24
When: 6–9 p.m.
Where: Huckleberry Trail Farm, 143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City
Cost: $15 per person; advance online tickets required
The corn maze by flashlight, with 10 hidden stations to find. Find all 10 and win a prize. The farm says it is not a scare event.
🍎 CORE VALUES: APPLE FEST AT THE PLANT: SUN., OCT. 25
When: Noon–6 p.m.
Where: The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
An apple pie competition at 1, Irish music in The Wheelhouse at 2, live music from Otis Kings and a vendor market. Ben Starr leads a cider talk and tour at Starrlight Mead from 2 to 3, and Lyle Estill gives an apple brandy talk and tasting at Fair Game from 5:10 to 5:40.
🎬 “80 YEARS LATER” IN GOLDSTON: TUE., OCT. 27
When: 4–6 p.m.
Where: Goldston Library, 9235 Pittsboro-Goldston Road, Goldston
Cost: Free; no registration needed
Chatham Community Library screens the documentary directed by Celine Parreñas Shimizu, part of the Goldston America 250 Film Series and Chatham Celebrates America 250.
🎃 HALLOWEEN AT THE PITTSBORO FARMERS MARKET: THU., OCT. 29
When: 3–6 p.m.; children’s costume parade at 5:30
Where: Pop-Up Park, 50 W. Salisbury St., Pittsboro
Trick-or-treating around the vendors, free 4-H activities and vendor specials.
💼 FINANCIAL BREAKTHROUGH FOR BUSINESS OWNERS: THU., OCT. 29
When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: 79°West, 120 Mosaic Blvd., Suite 120, Pittsboro
Cost: Free; lunch included
A half-day seminar where four financial professionals cover taxes, bookkeeping, investing, and banking and fraud.
📚 BOOKS IN THE BARN: THU., OCT. 29
When: 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: The Barn at Fearrington, 500 Market St., Pittsboro
Cost: $65, including wine and hors d’oeuvres
Our State hosts authors Daniel Wallace and Jeremy B. Jones in conversation about “Beneath the Moon and Long Dead Stars” and “Cipher,” with a Q&A and signing.
🧠 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: FRI., OCT. 30
When: 8–9 a.m.; doors at 7:45
Where: 79°West, 120 Mosaic Blvd., Suite 120, Pittsboro
Therapist Danny Eller, LCSW, leads this month’s talk, “Self-Criticism: Why Are We So Hard on Ourselves?” on owning mistakes without attacking your own worth. Register in advance.
🐶 HOWL-OWEEN PET COSTUME AND PUMPKIN STROLL: FRI., OCT. 30
When: 4–6 p.m.
Where: Fearrington Village, Pittsboro
Leashed, costumed dogs stroll the pumpkins, with a pet costume contest, pup cups and pizza from Roost. Bring dog food or treats to donate to CARE.
🎃 SILER CITY TRUNK OR TREAT: FRI., OCT. 30
When: 6–8 p.m.
Where: Bray Park Sports Complex, 700 Alston Bridge Road, Siler City
The 10th annual event, with local businesses and town departments handing out candy from decorated vehicles.
AROUND TOWN
EARLY VOTING IS OPEN THROUGH OCT. 31
One-stop early voting for the Nov. 3 general election began Thursday and runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. You can vote at any of Chatham’s five early voting sites, whatever your precinct: the Agriculture & Conference Center in Pittsboro, Central Carolina Community College’s Health Science Building on Ballentrae Court in Pittsboro, the Earl B. Fitts Community Center in Siler City, Goldston Town Hall, and Hollands Chapel Church on Burgess Road.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Sites are closed Sundays. If you’re not registered, you can register and vote the same day with proof of where you live. Bring a photo ID; if you don’t have one, you can still vote by filling out an exception form.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON CHATHAM PARK’S SOUTH VILLAGE
Chatham Park’s South Village plans cover 1,341 acres between Roberson Creek and Charlie Brooks Road, from Moncure-Pittsboro Road east to Gum Springs Church Road. At Monday’s Pittsboro Board of Commissioners meeting, Chatham Park’s Chuck Smith said the current design calls for about 1,400 to 1,450 homes, though the zoning would allow about 3,500. The plans also include up to 325,000 square feet of nonresidential space, a private golf club and about 20 miles of greenways.
Commissioners pushed back on traffic. The traffic model relies on data from 2011 or earlier and counts roads that haven’t been built, and at least one commissioner asked for a townwide agreement on transportation costs before any vote. No vote was taken, and staff plans to bring the plans back in November. The town is taking comments until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, through an online form or by voicemail at (984) 282-6647.
72 HABITAT HOMES GET THE GREEN LIGHT
At the same meeting, commissioners approved the preliminary plat for Roberts Run, a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood of 72 townhomes on about 26 acres along I.E. Taylor Road and Roberts Street, south of East Street and north of Roberson Creek. Habitat bought the land in 2015. The plan includes sidewalks, a 10-foot greenway path, and about 7.7 acres of open space and greenway to be dedicated to the town, with a buffer protecting the creek. No one signed up to speak at the public hearing, and the Planning Board had recommended approval unanimously. Construction drawings come next, and Habitat hasn’t set a groundbreaking date.
$2,500 GRANTS FOR CHATHAM SMALL BUSINESSES
The Chatham Chamber is awarding ten $2,500 microgrants, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to established small businesses operating in Chatham County. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to apply. The money can go toward equipment, storefront improvements, technology or point-of-sale systems, marketing, inventory or other capital needs. Applicants describe a business need and the specific investment that would meet it, and the Chamber’s Grants & Awards Committee chooses based on need and lasting impact. Applications are due Oct. 31.
THE POST SCRIPT
“We are an accidental collection of businesses.”
That’s Lyle Estill’s Plant. This weekend is a good one to go see it, with Pittsboro Pride on Saturday night and Sunday and the circus opening under its big top.
More stops from the bus tour are on the way.
If this issue made you want to see more of Chatham, forward it to one neighbor who would want to see it, too.
Have a Chatham County story we should know about? Hit reply and tell me.
See y’all next Friday!