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One of the city's most enduring and well-known business partnerships has come to an end.
Amicably.
Kayne Fisher and Chris Lester are college buddies who founded Natty Greene’s beer.
That the two were going their separate ways has been known by many for some time, but the divergence is now official.
“We had a heck of a partnership," Fisher recalled. "It was great to be a part of a product that we turned into a brand that Greensboro should be proud of because it is still as strong as ever. But I was just ready for the next chapter."
Fisher assumes ownership of The Kitchen and Market at Revolution Mill, a restaurant the two opened last year.
"I’m happy for him," Lester said. "I hope he does really well. He wants to do more with the food. That’s his dream and he’s trying to follow his dream, which is awesome."
Lester will continue the Natty’s brand.
"I’m excited," Lester said. "I’m going to be doing the downtown pub and still doing beer at the production facility."
Meanwhile, Fisher is becoming a full-time restaurateur.
“It was time to move on,” Fisher explained. “On the beer side, he keeps Natty Greene’s and all things Natty. For me, I get to follow my true passion."