North South Brewing Team
James Orlando - Owner / Brewer
In 2011 I decided to try homebrewing after a friend gave me an amber ale he brewed at home. My first homebrew kit was 2 plastic buckets, a small pot, and a spoon. I quickly realized brewing on an electric stove top took forever and wasn’t ideal. I bought a propane burner and upgraded my equipment ever since. I became fascinated with the mix of art and science that brewing has. Almost immediately I knew that I wanted to eventually open a brewery. I brewed many different styles but my favorite to brew (and drink) is a Belgian Tripel. IPAs are my daily go-to though.
Favorite Hobbies: When not at the brewery I like indoor rock climbing and hanging out with Alicia and our two dogs, Stella and Jack Jack.
Favorite Color: Green
If you could have one superpower what would it be? : If I could have one superpower it would probably be time travel. Going to different places in the past and future would be awesome!
Alicia Orlando - Owner / General Manager
I didn't really drink beer before I met James. Maybe the occasional bud light. But he showed me the way to truly enjoy a flavorful craft beer. Together we have been to so many breweries and tried so many different types of beer. Some I really liked and some I really didn't. But the beer was only part of the experience. I love going to new places and seeing the different communities that the craft beer brings together. I've worked in customer service for my entire adult life and some of the best experiences I've had with service has been in a brewery. The passion for the craft and the excitement of trying new beer or enjoying a local favorite makes me want to give that feeling to others!
Favorite Hobbies: I love spending time with James and my dogs (I'm a huge animal lover). I love plants and gardening!
Favorite Color: well, it changes all the time but probably right now tan or beige. Exciting right?
If you could have one superpower what would it be? : Stop time! Use it to snooze my alarm and not have to worry about being late. It would make it so my dogs don't age and I can have as much time with them as possible!
Jonny Isaacson - Head Brewer
I've always enjoyed and been interested in craft beer since the early 2010's, but never imagined I'd get this far! Later on I started homebrewing with friends in 2021 and quickly became hooked in the process, creativity, and problem solving that it entails. I was encouraged to enroll in the Wake Tech Craft Brewers Program by the same friends and there I became engulfed in all things beer. I’ve had the pleasure to work in several different breweries in the Fayetteville/Triangle area over the last few years as a Beertender, Cellarman, Event Coordinator, and Brewer. My favorite beers to both brew and drink are Session IPAs and Lagers.
Favorite Hobbies: Outside of the brewery world, I always want to be outdoors enjoying a hike with my family or lounging by the pool under blue skies
If you could have one superpower what would it be? : If I could have any superpower I would choose teleportation. No more commutes, no more hurry up and wait, no more TSA!
Holly Spaniel - Beertender and
Social Media Manager
- Tell us a little about your background
Why do you like working in the beer/Brewing industry?
Born in California but a true Virginia girl at heart, I’m a proud military spouse, military mom to two grown sons, and dog mom to our spoiled pup, Ace! I’ve found my happy place in the wine and beer world—where chatting (certified yapper) with guests, finding their perfect sip, and sprinkling in some fun and creativity is all part of the job. Whether I’m assisting with a themed party, curating a tasting, or coming up with the next clever idea I’m all about good vibes, great drinks, and meeting new people.
- What’s your favorite North South Brewing Beer?
I really like a wide variety of beers and love to try new things! The first North South Beer I had was the Czech Czech One Two and it’s still a refreshing go to for me!
- What are your interests and hobbies outside of the brewery?
I’m all about good laughs, great company, and the occasional well-planned prank! I love hanging out with friends and family, treasure hunting at thrift stores, indulging in amazing food and drinks, traveling, and soaking up the outdoors with hiking or any activity involving water.
- What's your favorite color?
Sunshine yellow
- If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
I’m just a girl—how could I pick only one superpower? Of course I’d choose the ability to mimic everyone else’s superpowers! That way, I get to try them all!
Shar Sanders - Beertender
Resident Prankster
Alexis Chambers - Beertender
- Tell us a little about your background
I grew up in Fayetteville, NC and I’m the oldest of 5. I’ve been working in the service industry for about 7 years.
- Why the beer/brewing industry?
The people you get to meet along the way and actually learning the science behind brewing.
- What’s your favorite North South Beer?
Sweet Fraulein
- What are your hobbies or interests outside of the brewery?
Working with animals and hanging out with my one million cats.
- What’s your favorite color?
Red
- If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Shapeshifting cause duh, you can be anything you want to be.
Rachael Burwell - Beertender
- Tell us a little about your background
I have always enjoyed beer and wine, but worked for Varsity Club, a college bar at Ohio State University for 4 years while attended school. Moved to Hawaii for 4 years and worked at Cheesecake Factory while obtaining my real estate license. Worked in real estate until we moved to Fayetteville in 2022. Left the real estate industry in 2025, found my passion again for working in the beer industry part time while pursuing a career in academics, now working at Methodist University.
- Why the beer/brewing industry?
You get to meet a diverse clientele, making unique connections that you wouldnt anywhere else. I also enjoy learning about the beer making process.
- What’s your favorite North South Beer?
Haze Girl Haaaaze
- What are your hobbies or interests outside of the brewery?
I have played soccer all my life and played on some adult and women’s leagues in Hawaii and Fayetteville and currently also playing for Carolina Crew, a semi professional soccer league in Fayetteville. I also enjoy a good brewery hop, music bingos, and karaoke.
- What’s your favorite color?
Lavender
- If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Teleportation