July 24, 2025
Many business partnerships have a great origin story. But in the case of The Nook, newly open in Concord, it was a search engine muddle that created something beautiful.
For years, two business owners kept discovering that customers had mixed them up. The Percantile and Creamery, which serves up coffee and ice cream in Concord, and small batch brewery Percent Tap House in Harrisburg had run into a snag.
“Whenever someone searched for ‘PER’, coffee drinkers found Percent and beer drinkers found The Percantile,” says Carl-Jay Castaneda, Liquid Curator at Percent.
A Friendship Forms
Seven years ago, Castaneda finally made a trip over to The Percantile and Creamery and met owner Sean Colas. They hit it off and have supported one another’s businesses ever since.
“In 2020, we even brewed a collaboration beer,” Castaneda notes.
The team at Percantile and Creamery baked a brownie with dark chocolate chips, which the Percent brewers added to their mash along with peanut butter to create an Imperial Stout they called “The PER-fect Brownie,” a nod to both companies.
A more permanent collaboration was a natural next step, and the idea for The Nook was born.
“I love places like Camp North End or Optimist Hall, where there is a great vibe, cool seating and a spot to consume beverages and food with options for everyone,” says Colas.
The Best of Both Worlds (and More)
At The Nook, visitors have a wide variety of choices. Percent at The Nook, the brewery’s second location, offers small-batch craft beers, boutique wines, seltzers, non-alcoholic drinks and more — and it’s dog-friendly, too.
The Perc at The Nook serves up excellent coffee, lattes, teas and pastry options.
“We are even bringing in some cold treats, like pints of ice cream, ice cream bars and our ‘Grab and Go’ lattes that people can bring home — if it makes it home!” says Colas.
Also at The Nook, business partner Drew Jenkins brings spicy and savory flavors with For Crying Out Loud. Jenkins started his career as a dishwasher and through passion and hard work in the culinary industry, his journey led him to Concord. His food truck, a permanent fixture at The Nook, offers smashburgers, hot chicken, chop cheese fries, hot tenders and other delicious food to visitors.
“Being a big beer nerd, I’ve been a huge supporter of the Percent brand since their brewery opened, and I’ve been a fan of Sean and Percantile ever since trying their collaboration beer with Percent back in 2020,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins has plans to add a new food truck to Percent Tap House’s Harrisburg location in the coming months. Plus, Castaneda says, they’ve collaborated with their friend the mixologist Naomi Colon, who brings cocktails, mocktails and Bloody Marys to The Nook at “It’s Complicated” (slated to open this Summer).
“Plus, for an extra bit of fun, The Trolley Pub, a pedal-powered mobile bar, will have a convenient pick-up and drop-off point right at our front door,” says Castaneda.
A Space for Community
The Nook is designed to be an ideal spot for people to meet up, hang out and celebrate together while enjoying the best of the area’s food, drink and treats.
“We have such an amazing space that allows for plenty of seating both inside and out, as well as a huge room that can be utilized for private events, like birthdays or baby showers,” says Colas. “And The Nook is a great spot for corporate meetings, too!”
With ample parking, a kind and caring staff and a robust calendar of games and live music — plus something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving — The Nook is one of Concord’s most exciting new spots. Plus, it’s a testament to the friendly, collaborative attitude of Cabarrus County’s small businesses and the delightful accidents that can lead to delicious friendships.
Bring Your Friends to Visit
There’s so much to do in Cabarrus, whether you’re visiting or this is your home. Check out our Destination Guide for more delicious and exciting experiences year-round.
