A local twist on a classic combination
Mac’s brings burgers and more to Lookout Brewing Co.
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 28, 2021
Mac’s Burgers and Cheesesteaks is serving up classic burgers, cheesesteaks, hand-cut fries and more at its new food truck at Lookout Brewing Co. Photo by Fred McCormick
A collaboration between a pair of local businesses offers a Black Mountain twist on a classic combination.
A new food truck from Mac’s Burgers and Cheesesteaks is bringing American-style comfort food to complement the many beers of Lookout Brewing Co.
Brandon Shuler was not interested in changing the menu that made the small West Street diner a destination for burger lovers for more than a decade when he purchased Mac’s in late 2019.
“We didn’t want to over-complicate things,” he said. “The previous owners were great, and Mac’s built a great reputation over the years.”
The graduate of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Culinary Arts and Hospitality program focused on quality ingredients at a reasonable price while adding menu items like onion rings, patty melts and chicken tenders.
“I knew that I wanted to expand the business and help it reach its full potential,” said Shuler, a 15-year veteran of the food industry.
While the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to close his dining area and pivot to delivery and carry-out for three months in 2020, a conversation with Lookout Brewing Co. founder and former co-worker of Shuler’s, John Garcia, led to an opportunity for growth.
“I’ve known John for years,” Shuler said. “We used to work together at the (Black Mountain Kitchen + Ale House), and I’ve always been a fan of what he’s done at Lookout.”
Brandon Shuler, who bought Mac’s in the fall of 2019, expanded the Black Mountain business in May when he opened a food truck at Lookout Brewing Co. Photo by Fred McCormick
Garcia was interested in finding a way to incorporate a regular food option at the brewery, which has expanded significantly since opening on Ridgeway Avenue in February of 2013.
“Mac’s has always been known as a lunch spot, and I didn’t think that extending the hours into the evening would be that effective,” Shuler said of his new location, which is now open from 3 - 8:30 p.m.,Thursday through Sunday. “I definitely saw a food truck at Lookout as an expansion opportunity that will help reach that later lunch and dinner crowd.”
The hours of the food truck will eventually be extended to mirror Lookout’s, according to Shuler, who is offering many of the most popular menu items from the restaurant.
“We have our hand-cut fries, onion rings, burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks and a few other top-sellers,” he said. “One thing we’ve added at the food truck is a vegan burger, which is cooked on a separate surface.”
Customers at Lookout Brewing Co. will now be able to order burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs and more at the Mac’s food truck, which currently operates from 3 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Photo by Fred McCormick
A rotating lineup of its small batch craft brews are featured at Lookout Brewing alongside guest taps and a selection of wine, ciders and ginger beers.
“The brewery has grown so much over the years, and having this food truck there just seems like a perfect idea,” Shuler said. “We take a lot of pride in our product, and the passion and effort we put into our food just makes it that much better. I want to make sure that everyone has a chance to experience our burgers, and this new location will definitely help us reach more people.”