A company with Hickory ties has gained a foothold in the growing non-alcoholic beverage industry.

Hickory resident Brian Garrison and former U.S. Marine Caleb Drown started Bright Barrel as a non-alcoholic beer alternative for people who enjoyed the taste of beer but not the effects.

“When I met Caleb, my business partner, he had an idea to start this non-alcoholic beer company,” Garrison said. “It didn’t really have legs to it, just this idea.”

Garrison said Drown got the idea to start Bright Barrel due to Drown’s issues with alcohol.

According to Bright Barrel’s website, Drown “has a complex history with alcohol. During his time in the Marines, drinking was a way to bond with his brothers-in-arms. However, the habit persisted into civilian life, leading to unhealthy patterns.”

“I wa

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