YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — It wasn’t the original plan, but it turned out to be a perfect fit.
The Virginia Beer Company, a popular brewer near the Williamsburg line, is taking over the new brewpub space at 7120 George Washington Memorial Highway in York County.
“When the county approached us about expanding, we brought the idea to our advisors. They were all practically screaming, ‘Why wouldn’t you do this?’” Virginia Beer Company’s owners said.
The space was set to be the eastern location for Beale’s, a craft brewery in Bedford, southwest of Lynchburg. Beale’s though ended up having to withdraw due to family health issues, but the space was nearly ready to go with kitchen and brewing equipment installed.
“When we realized we could not bring our own brand to the space, we felt it our duty and
responsibility to find a great tenant with the right energy,” said Emily Sanfratella, chief
operating officer for Waukeshaw, Beale’s parent company. “We were really impressed with The Virginia Beer Company and have followed their business for a long time. They’ll be a nice addition to this part of the county.”
“I can’t believe our luck that The Virginia Beer Company was interested,” added Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County’s Department of Economic and Tourism Development, in a press release from the county. “It’s opportune because they’re a known commodity—you know they’re going to bring great energy and products because they’ve already proven themselves as a huge success in The Edge District.”
Virginia Beer Company will lease the building from Waukeshaw, with a projected opening in early 2025.
The brewer’s original location was the dream for William & Mary grads and former finance guys Chris Smith and Robby Willey, who opened the microbrewery in 2016 in York County’s “Edge District” with the mantra of: beer, people, purpose.
Eight years later, Virginia Beer Company’s built a strong fanbase and has racked up several awards, including just recently being named the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Small Business of the Year.
The brewery’s owners are grateful for their popularity in the Historic Triangle, but say they’re excited the new location allows them to be more easily accessible for residents down the county like Grafton, Tabb and Seaford.
They’ll also be able to make their own food for the first time (the original location has rotating food trucks), with a menu “celebrating the area” and its local ingredients.
“We want to give them an elevated experience that’s memorable for those who come
occasionally, but welcoming for regulars,” said Willey. “Whether it’s beer or food, the idea is
that we put out a product that’s exceptionally fine-tuned, but under a brand that’s approachable.” In addition to beer and food pairings, other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options will be offered. Of course, their most popular beverages will be plentiful—including Free Verse IPA, a favorite of brewmaster Newman, who was formerly an English teacher.”
Virginia Beer Company also just announced an official beer partnership with William & Mary last week. It includes the Tribe’s first officially licensed beer, Griffin Gold, a Kölsch-style “Golden Ale.”
