It’s time to meet some of the chefs, brewers, and other gracious supporters that’ll make 2024’s edition of Lions, Tigers & Beer a night to remember! Stay tuned as we introduce each of the eight pairings inspired by our animals.
The Tiger
First up, representing Panthera tigris, the tiger, will be Nomad for the plate and Eno River Brewing for the beverage. Nomad may be based in Hillsborough, NC, but as its name implies, it draws inspiration from all over. In a tribute to the owners’ globally inflected background (their family, originally from India, made their way to the UK, Canada and the US), the restaurant serves a range of global cuisines, from Indian to Thai, Japanese to Chinese, Mexican to Mediterranean—and, yes, Southern.
At Eno River Brewing, commitment to community is as important as commitment to beer—or “liquid love,” as the team there calls it. “We’re excited to work with Nomad, our partner at home in Hillsborough,” they told us. “This is our first year participating in this event, and we love when large groups of people come together to take care of one another”—and of animals. Nurtured and inspired by the natural environment, including their own tree-lined lawn alongside the river, the brewery’s offerings—pub ales, IPAs, wheat beers, lagers, and more–sometimes even incorporate local produce like NC-grown strawberries.
The Gray Wolf
Providing both the plate and the beverage to represent Canis lupus, the gray wolf, is long-time Animal Park supporter the Angus Barn. Located in Raleigh, NC, the legendary restaurant has been known for its fine Southern steakhouse cuisine since 1960.
At the event, the restaurant will be “serving some of our specialties,” says Angus Barn owner Van Eure, who adds that she’s “extremely excited” to be participating again this year. The three meat-loving wolves who reside at the Animal Park would surely approve of the restaurant’s offerings—it serves around 22,000 in-house-aged steaks each month, along with a tempting variety of poultry, seafood, and pasta dishes.
Humans at this year’s event will also appreciate selections from the Angus Barn’s extensive beer list and award-winning wine cellar. After their sample, attendees will surely want to experience more of the restaurant’s food and beverage menus at its main dining room, Wild Turkey Lounge, Meat Locker Lounge, private banquet rooms, or two event venues.
The Geoffroy’s Cat
Cats of the South American species Leopardus geoffroyi may be small, but they’re mighty. In other words, perfect inspiration for two powerfully community-focused local businesses. Representing these intriguing predators on the plate will be The Eddy Pub of Saxapahaw, NC. “This is a new outreach for us,” says General Manager and Owner Paul Neubauer. “We’re excited to partner with another organization focused on community, as the Animal Park is.” And, he adds, “Being at a fundraiser with real lions and tigers—and beer—is just pretty darn cool.” With a college degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Science and a lifelong interest in conservation and wildlife, Neubauer and his team from The Eddy are sure to add their own wild energy to the evening.
Each dish at The Eddy spotlights high-quality, often local ingredients, from the NC catfish in the fish and chips to the Hayes Beef patties in the smash burgers. “Community is a driving force behind all aspects of our operations—where we get our food, our staff, and where we put our resources for helping others,” Neubauer says.
Pairing with The Eddy to provide the beverage is Forgotten Road Ales of Graham, NC. Also with a strong emphasis on community, the veteran-owned craft brewery specializes in barrel-aged beers, New England IPAs, sours, and wild ales—all of which can be sipped in its beautifully landscaped beer garden and patio. Owners Ben and Janee Farrar love hosting food truck rodeos, disc golf tournaments, live music, and other events on-site, and have now expanded to include a Greensboro outpost.
The Binturong
As a keystone species, the binturong is vital to the health of its Southeast Asian environment. And in Mebane, NC, Bright Penny Brewing has played its own important role in the local social and culinary “ecosystem” since opening in 2016 as the town’s first brewery. When Bright Penny represents Arctictis binturong via plate and beverage at Lions, Tigers & Beer, it’ll be drawing from an eight-year history with the Animal Park.
“We got involved with the Park when we first opened, and never looked back,” says General Manager Tory Williams. “And sure, having these animals in our ‘back yard’ is cool, but the best part about the Park is the people—all so welcoming, personable, and devoted to the cause,” he adds. “You come for the animals, but you come back for the people.”
Likewise, the flavorful wood-fired pizzas, creative salads, and award-winning beers may be what initially draw guests to Bright Penny, but it’s the friendly, inviting team and atmosphere that bring them back. The only thing better than a finely crafted brew (or house-made root beer) and a flight of Grandma’s Eggs is enjoying them on one of two spacious patios or in the beer garden, with helpful insights from the staff to guide your selections. You can also lift a pint at outposts at Mebane’s Tanger Outlets and in Rocky Mount.
The Bobcat
Like Lynx rufus, Mellow Mushroom is native to North America. But the beloved pizza franchise evolved a little more recently—it’s “only” celebrating its (impressive) 50th anniversary in 2024, while the bobcat species has been around for 20,000 years or so. Thankfully, Mellow Mushroom is also much less elusive than these small wild cats, with more than 160 dining locations across the U.S. Fans of its stone-baked pizzas and fresh salads will be glad to learn that Mellow Mushroom on Brier Creek Parkway in Raleigh, NC, is the generous sponsor of the plate representing the bobcat at Lions, Tigers & Beer.
Joining in to provide the corresponding beverage is Trophy Brewing, based in Raleigh, NC, and serving beer and pizza on West Morgan Street, brews on Maywood Avenue, and more brews to come at a Bickett Boulevard location opening in 2025. Since 2013, Trophy has been committed not only to creating great craft beers—like the award-winning Trophy Wife session IPA or the Trophy Husband witbier—but also to buying local, being green, limiting waste, and creating community.
The Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth
In its native range of Central and South America, Choloepus didactylus has a very limited diet, eating mainly leaves. (Yawn.) Guests at Lions, Tigers & Beer needn’t worry, though—representing the Park’s sloths will be Bodega and Ocean South, both known for their extensive, eclectic variety of flavors.
For the plate, Bodega in Wake Forest, NC, will draw from its expertise in internationally influenced tapas. Its small plates include such favorites as piquant Peruvian chicken, slowly baked French-style escargot, Spanish Serrano ham with wine-poached pear, and crisp Italian arancini. Patrons at the restaurant can count on an extensive wine and rum list, along with rum-based cocktails, to round out their experience.
At the Park, the partnering beverage will be sponsored by Ocean South Imports in Hillsborough, NC. Inspired by their visits to Italian wineries, owners Steve and Yolanda Sommerville founded Ocean South to find and share interesting wines that uniquely express their terroir. Their portfolio features selections that span the globe—from Mexico and Argentina to Macedonia and Moldova—and is stocked at restaurants, bars, country clubs, and retail shops across NC.
The Leopard
African leopards have to hustle to keep other species’ paws off their food. Panthera pardus pardus is known for climbing trees to take its kills out of reach of other, bigger animals; there the leopards can peacefully enjoy what they want now and cache the rest for later. And when you see the sweet treats from these next event sponsors, you too might be tempted to slip away and safeguard your share. But never fear—there’s enough to go around.
On the plate will be Ramsey’s Sweets, from owner and baker Jessica Ramsey. Its scrumptious made-to-order baked goods are the stuff of legend: sea salt caramel chocolate chip cookies, classic cinnamon rolls, an assortment of layer cakes, even an entire range of decadent round brownies. As an Animal Park volunteer, Ramsey says, “I understand the importance of fundraising for the Park, especially as we enter the colder months, to ensure the animals have everything they need.” With two young children, a handful of foster pets, work, and her volunteer efforts, Ramsey’s energy is inspiring, especially adding preparations for Lions, Tigers & Beer to her list. But donating her time and goodies is a no-brainer, she says: “I just have to look into Violet Leopard’s eyes—that solidifies my commitment to the cause!”
For the beverage, Thirsty Thoroughbred Beverage Co. will be on-hand with a zero-proof—and 100% delicious—option. It’s known for hand-crafted concoctions like its toasted coconut honey latte, topped with a slice of white chocolate honeycomb, and its blueberry swirl latte, complete with blueberry pound cake crumbles. Those who fall in love with the pairing at the Park will be happy to discover that this duo’s offerings are now available at the new Wildflower Cafe in Roxboro, NC. Here, the specialty coffee drinks and sweet treats can be ordered alongside savory breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads.
The Lion
On the African savanna, the success of Panthera leo depends on cooperation across the pride, where each member has a distinct role to play. At Lions, Tigers & Beer, guests will be excited to see two favorite local establishments teaming up and working together to represent the lion.
For the plate, Crafted Mebane offers a reminder of why its tagline is “The Art of the Taco.” The restaurant’s specialties include masterpieces like the Fixie, a taco with braised beef, grilled pineapple, spicy-sweet chili sauce, coconut aioli, cilantro, and scallions. Flavorful burgers, salads, starters, and desserts round out the menu, along with cocktails like margaritas from classic to creative.
Long-time Animal Park supporter Dingo Dog Brewing Co. will provide a beverage straight from its taproom in Carrboro, NC, and brewery on the organic PlowGirl Farm nearby. Dingo Dog’s small-batch beers and ciders, always created in tune with the season, are made with produce grown on the farm, in a minimal-waste production facility overseen by founder Tim Schwarzauer and head brewer Erik Myers (who’s assisted by Mosaic the cat). The skillfully created IPAs, pilsners, saisons, and other brews, along with the sense of community that’s fostered over a pint, certainly enrich the lives of anyone who pays the taproom a visit. But Dingo Dog’s mission extends beyond pleasing humans, putting an equal focus on helping animals. Other than covering operating costs, all proceeds are donated to local no-kill animal rescue organizations. Hoppy brews and happy animals? Sounds like a perfect pairing, indeed.
