Trailside Table Debuts at Brewery on Ecusta Trail
Trailside Brewery Hendersonville NC
If you’ve ever biked or walked along the Ecusta Trail and wished for a hearty meal and a cold craft beer to cap off your outing, you’re in luck. Trailside Brewing—already a favorite gathering spot for locals since its opening in 2022—has just launched its own onsite eatery: Trailside Table.
Whether you’re a longtime local or someone considering a move to Hendersonville, this newest addition to the local food and brewery scene is a taste of what living in Hendersonville is all about—craftsmanship, community, and a whole lot of mountain charm.
An Inspired Beginning
The restaurant quietly launched on the weekend of August 9, during one of Trailside Brewing’s typically bustling Saturday crowds. Co-owner David Schnitzer, who runs Trailside with his wife Colleen, used the occasion as a soft opening. Based on early feedback and full bellies, the experiment was a hit.
Trailside Brewing originally built its loyal following by partnering with a rotating lineup of around 25 food trucks. But Schnitzer and his team knew that bringing food service in-house would elevate the customer experience, cut wait times, and allow them to deliver consistent quality with a personal touch.
Locally Inspired Menu
The menu at Trailside Table is as exciting as it is inclusive, boasting Southern comfort staples with modern, fresh ingredients. Here are just a few standouts:
- Smash Burger Double: A double cheeseburger that’s already a top seller.
- Vegan Basmati Rice Bowl: Packed with arugula, cucumber, pickled onion, avocado, and toasted nuts.
- Shrimp Tacos & Crab Cakes: Bringing coastal flavor to the mountains.
- Fried Chicken, Black Bean Burgers, and Caesar Salad: Classics reimagined with quality and care.
If that wasn’t enough to whet your appetite, there’s also a pizza oven ready to sling pies later this year—yet another reason to stroll over from the Ecusta Trail.
Built by the Community, for the Community
Schnitzer brings 25 years of experience as a summer camp director to the table—quite literally. Feeding large crowds efficiently and with care is second nature to him. Trailside Table has already added nine new employees to the team, including their 16-year-old son Peter, alongside the 15 staff working the brewery.
“We love serving our folks,” Schnitzer shared, reflecting on the energy of the community and steady increase in visitors throughout the day—especially on weekends. With the rise in foot traffic from the soon-to-be 19-mile Ecusta Trail greenway, he’s optimistic about the restaurant’s long-term success.
An Ideal Stop Along the Ecusta Trail
Sitting along the newly opened Ecusta Trail, Trailside Table is perfectly placed to capture both local and tourist interest. Whether you’re cycling with friends, hiking with the family, or just heading out to enjoy one of the many things to do in Hendersonville, Trailside Brewing now has the bites to match their brews.
The set-up encourages spontaneous drop-ins, with glass garage doors, rustic timber beams, and high ceilings all framed by the beautiful Blue Ridge backdrop. The space also features a cocktail bar that was added just last year, combining the best of both worlds: craft beer and artisan cocktails under one roof.
What’s Next for Trailside?
The launch of Trailside Table is only the first of three exciting developmental phases for the brewery. Schnitzer revealed plans for a live music venue next—perfect for elevating the brewery’s already lively weekend atmosphere. As for the final phase? That one’s still under wraps, but we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Current hours for Trailside Table are:
- Wednesday–Thursday: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
They plan to expand to seven days a week in the near future, because, let’s face it—we’re all craving that smash burger more than just on weekends.
Your Local Flavor Destination
If you’re moving to Hendersonville or just visiting, stopping by Trailside Brewing and the new Trailside Table is a must. The pairing of fresh meals, poured-to-perfection beers, and the scenic Ecusta Trail makes this a quintessential experience of life in Henderson County.
Cheers to great food, local brews, and welcoming community vibes—everything you need to fall in love with living in Hendersonville.
To read more about the opening of Trailside Table, check out the original report by the Hendersonville Times-News.