‘The right energy:’ Virginia Beer Company to open second location in upper York County

A nearly completed building on Route 17 in York County that was originally intended as a Beale’s will not be vacant for much longer. 

The Virginia Beer Company (VBC) signed a lease on Friday for the property with developer Waukeshaw, the parent company of the Beale’s brand.

• For the past eight years, VBC has operated a microbrewery in The Edge District, an eclectic area that borders Williamsburg, York County and James City County. 

The new brewpub will go beyond featuring craft beers to also offer a full range of locally-inspired food items. The location will also serve as a community gathering space with a family-friendly menu and indoor/outdoor flow, the owners say.

• The Beale’s project came to a halt when the owner shifted plans because of an unexpected family health issues. 

County officials say the second VBC location is an ideal fit for what they envisioned for the property.

• “Happy to know the wait is over,” said Stephen Roane, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “Beale’s started constructing a beautiful facility for York County to enjoy for years to come, and they committed to getting us to the end and fulfilling our vision for what would be in that space.”

An economic boost: The county’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) Board expects the new brewpub to be a draw for locals and tourists alike.

• “If it couldn’t be Beale’s, I can’t think of a better partner and a better business to go into that facility and make it succeed than The Virginia Beer Company,” said EDA Chairman Jeff Clemons. “They’re fresh off winning the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Small Business of the Year Award, and we get to have them in two locations now.”

Background: The Virginia Beer Company was launched in 2016 by co-founders Chris Smith and Robby Willey, who met as students at William & Mary and invested four years into planning the microbrewery. 

• “Our current location has 16 beers, with 11 that rotate on a regular basis. We use our taproom as a test kitchen, so we want that same vibe in Yorktown for both the food and the drinks,” Smith said.

What to expect: VBC’s newest location will collaborate with local growers and farmers’ markets to feature seasonal foods. All menu items will be handmade and locally prepared. The goal, according to Smith and Willey, is to allow people to expand their palettes and horizons while ensuring all customers are able to find something they like.

• “We want to give them an elevated experience that’s memorable for those who come occasionally, but welcoming for regulars,” Willey said.