Fans can help kick start new Raleigh brewery

The men of Crank Arm Brewing Company turned to Kickstarter to raise funds from those who love cycling and beer.

Posted 3:03 a.m. Feb 9, 2013 — Updated 4:06 a.m. Feb 9, 2013

Adam Owens

RALEIGH, N.C. — Mike Morris, Adam Eckhardt and Dylan Selinger are brewing together their loves of cycling and beer to yield a new business in downtown Raleigh. The trio are three years into their project: Establishing Crank Arm Brewing Company.

"After you have a good ride, it is always nice to enjoy a beer," Eckhardt said.

The men have invested heavily in their venture. "Everything is in it: the house, the 401k, everything is in," Eckhardt said. They've built a bar, at 319 W. Davie St. in downtown Raleigh, connected hoses and bought thousand-pound tanks for their brew.

But borrowing in a slow economy isn't easy. So they turned to crowd-sourcing to raise more money. They created a video and posted it, along with their petition, to Kickstarter.com, a site that lets individuals choose startups to support.

"It gives the community a chance to sort of see the idea and become a part of it," Eckhardt said.

Crank Arm is even offering perks for high-dollar sponsors. "In this case, it could get you a parking space, inside the bar," Morris said. "Here you will have a place to hang your own bike."

Crank Arm has until Feb. 17 to reach their goal of $35,000 in pledges. If they do, they get the money. If they come up short, all those who pledged their support keep their cash.

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