The Brew Thru Story
For nearly fifty years, one stop has signaled the beginning of vacation on the Outer Banks — Brew Thru.
For many visitors, that moment comes shortly after crossing the bridge onto the Outer Banks, when the pace slows, the salt air rolls in, and the first stop for cold drinks, ice, and beach supplies is Brew Thru.
There are convenience stores… and then there’s Brew Thru.
For nearly half a century, Brew Thru has been part of the rhythm of the Outer Banks — a place where beach days begin, sunsets are celebrated, and vacation traditions are passed from one generation of visitors to the next.
What started as a simple idea in the 1970s has grown into one of the most recognizable and beloved stops on the OBX.
The story began when Dana and Becky Lawrentz, originally from Ohio, imagined a store perfectly suited for life at the beach — a drive-through convenience store where visitors could pick up cold drinks, ice, snacks, and beach supplies without ever leaving their cars.
With determination, a little savings, and a lot of hard work, construction began on the first Brew Thru in Nags Head. For months, Dana drove down from Ohio every Sunday night, worked long days building the store throughout the week, and returned home on Fridays. Meanwhile, Becky played an essential role behind the scenes, supporting the effort while caring for their newborn daughter and helping bring the dream to life.
In the summer of 1977, the Lawrentz family moved to the Outer Banks and opened Brew Thru for its very first season.
What began as a small family business quickly became something more. Visitors loved the convenience of driving through the store, but it was the friendly service and laid-back Outer Banks spirit that turned Brew Thru into a vacation tradition for generations of families.
Over the years, another tradition emerged as well — the legendary Brew Thru T-shirt. With more than 6 million sold world wide and a new design released every year, the colorful shirts have become a badge of OBX summers and can now be spotted all around the world. For many families, it simply isn’t a trip to the Outer Banks until everyone has their Brew Thru T-shirt. Many returning visitors make it a tradition to pick up the newest design each summer, turning the Brew Thru T shirt into one the most collected souvenirs on the Outer Banks. For longtime fans of the Banks, leaving the Outer Banks without one just doesn’t feel right — like leaving the beach without a little sand in your car.
In 2002, the story entered its next chapter when Philip and Brandy Foreman purchased the business
from Dana and Becky, continuing the family legacy. Brandy, the daughter of Dana and Becky, grew up around the business, and Philip had long been part of the Lawrentz family — the two began dating in the ninth grade, and Dana and Becky became like second parents to him.
Today, Brew Thru remains a true family business supported by a dedicated team of employees whose mission is simple: treat customers like family. From the office and warehouse staff to store managers and seasonal Car Tenders greeting customers in the drive-through lanes, the Brew Thru experience has always been about friendly faces and great service.
Now entering its 49th season, Brew Thru stands as a true Outer Banks original. From its iconic drive-through lanes to the millions of colorful Brew Thru T-shirts spotted on beaches around the world, the brand has become woven into the fabric of OBX life.
And as Brew Thru begins the road to its 50th anniversary, the mission remains the same as it was in 1977 — welcoming visitors with friendly faces, cold drinks, and the laid-back spirit of the Outer Banks so special.
Because for generations of beachgoers, vacation on the Banks still begins with that familiar first stop at Brew Thru.
