Edward Teach Brewing files lawsuit against Director of Operations for Flying Machine Brewing Company

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Edward Teach Brewery has filed a lawsuit against a former employee and manager of another Wilmington brewery for allegedly tampering with ETB’s products in local grocery stores.

According to a Facebook post from Edward Teach Brewery, ETB filed the lawsuit in New Hanover County Superior Court.

The lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 2, Erik Peterson, the Director of Operations for Flying Machine Brewing Company, illegally stuck QR code labels on the packaging of ETB beer sold at two Harris Teeter grocery stores in Wilmington.

When scanned, the QR codes led readers to a Facebook page the lawsuit claims contains “false and defamatory” content intended to hurt ETB’s reputation and business, the suit says.

The Facebook post claimed the owner of ETB caused a confrontation with a musician while they were performing at the Wilmington Taproom.

The lawsuit says Peterson’s tampering with commercial consumer products constitutes a federal crime.

Peterson was ETB’s Head Brewer from 2017 to 2022, when he joined Flying Machine.

The suit seeks a jury trial to determine the extent of actual damages Peterson owes ETB, as well as awards of compensatory damages, punitive damages, treble damages, and attorney fees to the brewery.

“We make great beer and run a good local business,” said Gary Sholar, ETB’s owner. “We did not take the decision to sue Mr. Peterson lightly. But we cannot let a vicious, misinformed social media campaign destroy the brewery and throw our more than 20 employees out of work. Mr. Peterson will have to answer for his actions in court.”

The lawsuit claims Peterson acted on his own behalf, not that of Flying Machine, the suit says.