A behind-the-scenes look at Ghost Train Brewing Company’s new location + concert venue

Ghost Train Brewing Company is one of Birmingham’s most popular places to drink and socialize, and now, they are expanding. Located at the Old Car Heaven, the grand opening is happening this weekend—you don’t want to miss it!

Ghost Train replaces Old Car Heaven

Ghost Train has served customers for over half a decade at Pepper Place. Located in shipping containers, the unique venue is part of the appeal. Fear not, because the new location is just as exciting with endless, amazing features including over 90 taps, a cocktail bar and a 3,000 square foot room for events.

Owner Taylor DeBoer let us in on all you need to know.

“One of the coolest things about this property is there’s a ton of nostalgia behind it. I used to come to parties here in the 2000s when it was the Old Car Heaven, so it’s a notorious event space where people are used to coming to big parties–and we love to throw parties. We’re going to be doing a lot of that here.”

Taylor DeBoer, owner, Ghost Train Brewing Company

Meet the tenants

The Old Car Heaven is now run by M2, which is part of the project MAKEBhm. Their purpose is to transform spaces to be better utilized by tenants. Tom Carruthers, Bruce Lanier and Grant Brigham are the owners of M2 and have big plans for the unused space. Ghost Train will be one of three tenants including Gotcha Mobility, LLC and Freshwater Land Trust. 

“M2 Ventures is very excited that Ghost Train Brewing Company has chosen to expand their beer-making operations and their tap room in our building. The synergy created by Ghost Train, the new Hugh Kaul Trail, the other tenants in our building, and the building’s location between the heart of Avondale and Pepper Place is very exciting to see come to fruition. We are thrilled that Ghost Train will open their doors to the public this coming weekend, and encourage everyone to come out and support their new location, which includes a great outdoor space where kids and adults can hang out, day or night.”

– M2 Ventures, LLC, Building Developers

See your favorite artist perform

Ghost Train will offer both indoor and outdoor activities.

“The other exciting thing that was only a concept and an idea when we started, and now it’s come to fruition, is that our taproom is right on the Rotary Trail. They just paved the trail last week and it’s been packed through the weekend. The Freshwater Land Trust has invested a ton of money.”

Taylor DeBoer, owner, Ghost Train Brewing Company

With the perfect location of being next to the trail and in an 18,000 square foot builidng, it is the ideal space weddings and concerts to take place. The summer and spring lineup will be announced soon, and whereas in the past, it has mainly been local bands, we can expect to see some big names coming through. 

Ghost Train is on the move

Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, Ghost Train is focusing on being environmentally friendly.

“This is Alabama’s first high efficiency brewing. It is relatively new to the craft brewing industry, but it has a huge environmental impact. It saves a lot of waste water, it saves water usage, it saves raw materials and utilities. It means a lot less waste that goes into the sewer system.”

Taylor DeBoer, owner, Ghost Train Brewing Company

Through this new location, Ghost Train can expand their beer production. Currently, they expand across the entirety of Alabama and into the southern portion of Mississippi and the panhandle of Florida. Ghost Train now has the capacity to provide beer to the entire Southeast.

Private tours

While Ghost Train’s newest location is already set apart from Pepper Place, DeBoer continues to strategize on how to make it the best it can be. In this case, DeBoer plans on having private tours be an option to guests. The tour will begin in a private room with a small bar and continue to the rest of the production facility. Guests can see beer being made inside the tanks and have access to drinks unavailable anywhere else within the the facility.

Grand opening this weekend

Ghost Train is spacious with several rooms to explore. On warmer evenings, the doors will open to the new Hugh Kaul Trail Trail where guests can drink good beer, talk with friends and listen to live music. The grand opening is this weekend and several special events have been planned for each day.

Their hours can be found on Instagram.

• Feb. 18, 12PM-12AM
• Feb. 19, 12PM-12AM
• Feb. 20, 12PM-10PM

For more information, visit our website, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.