Published May 29, 2026

Cheerwine Just Made a $7 Million Move — Why Does It Matter for Salisbury?

Written by Jay White

Cheerwine Just Made a $7 Million Move — Why Does It Matter for Salisbury? header image.

Rowan County Growth | Salisbury NC

Some business announcements are just business announcements.

And then there are the ones that feel a little more personal if you're from the Carolinas.

This is one of those.

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Click here to see why Cheerwine's latest investment could be a bigger deal than most people realize. 👇

What exactly did Cheerwine buy?

Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling recently purchased an 18.6-acre property on North Salisbury Avenue for approximately $7 million.

The site sits about 8 miles from the company's headquarters in Salisbury.

For now, the property will primarily be used for distribution, but the company has indicated it may explore future bottling operations there as well.

Why is this such a big deal locally?

Because Cheerwine isn't just another company.

Founded in Salisbury in 1917, Cheerwine is approaching 110 years in business.

Even more impressive?

It's still:

Family-owned
Headquartered in Salisbury
Made in North Carolina

In an era when so many regional brands get acquired by larger corporations, Cheerwine has stayed local—and continues to invest in its hometown.

What's the story behind the property?

This is where things get interesting.

The facility was previously occupied by Packaging Corporation of America, which announced plans to close the operation and eliminate more than 100 jobs.

Now, instead of sitting vacant, the property is being absorbed by a growing North Carolina company.

That's the kind of transition local communities hope for when major employers leave.

Why should Charlotte-area residents care about Salisbury?

Because Salisbury is quietly becoming one of the more interesting submarkets in the region.

Located roughly 45 minutes north of Charlotte along I-85, it offers:

More affordable housing
A historic downtown
Growing investment activity
Easy access to Charlotte employment centers

For buyers who feel priced out of some Charlotte suburbs, Rowan County is increasingly finding its way onto the radar.

Could this impact real estate in the area?

Large employer investments often create positive momentum.

They can help support:

Local job growth
Consumer spending
New business activity
Long-term housing demand

One project alone doesn't transform a market, but it's another signal that Salisbury continues to attract investment and attention.

So what's the real takeaway?

This story is bigger than a real estate transaction.

✔ A North Carolina icon is expanding
✔ Investment is staying local
✔ A former industrial site gets new life
✔ Salisbury continues building momentum

And in a state experiencing rapid growth, that's exactly the type of story worth watching.

Thinking About Areas Beyond Charlotte?

Whether you're considering Rowan County, Lake Norman, Union County, or somewhere in between, we can help you understand where growth is happening and what it could mean for your next move.