“We are proud to be Hot Springs, NC’s first brewery!
You’re welcome!”

Chris & Amy

About Us

Big Pillow Brewing is owned and operated by Chris Donochod and Amy Rubin. We opened on Christmas Day in 2020.
 
Why the name “Big Pillow?
 
Answer: Big Pillow is a whitewater rapid on Section 9 of the French Broad River, which flows through Hot Springs.
 
Chris is an avid whitewater boater and has been paddling in and around Hot Springs for many years. In 1996, he was a raft guide at the Blue Ridge Rafting which was located in Hot Springs. Chris also co founded the French Broad River festival in 1998, which ran for almost 25 years in town.
 
Chris and Amy wanted to give the brewery a name that represents their reason for choosing Hot Springs as the home of their brewery. If you’re a local boater, you know Big Pillow rapid. And now, you know Big Pillow Brewing!