Jun 12, 2017

New Brewery in Bedford, VA

There’s treasure in store for Bedford. Beale’s, the first brewery in the town of Bedford, announced today that it will open its doors to the public on June 24 at 510 Grove Street. In addition to craft brews, Beale’s also will have a full-service BBQ restaurant.

The project has been in the works since October 2015 when Waukeshaw Development, the team behind Beale’s, approached Bedford county and town officials about the idea of bringing a brewery to Bedford. Beale’s will create up to 30 new jobs in the area.

“Craft beer has become so complex and heady in the last few years. At Beale’s, we’re going in the opposite direction, creating approachable, low ABV beers that everyone can enjoy,” said Dave McCormack, President of Waukeshaw Development, Inc.

The brewery’s flagship beer is Beale’s Gold, a Helles Lager that’s straightforward and easy to drink, full-bodied with a crisp finish. In addition to lager-style beers, other options in the taproom will include IPAs and fruit beers. Beale’s plans to distribute its beer locally starting this summer, and eventually expand distribution statewide. Beale’s Gold will be the first Virginia-made beer packaged in an 8-pack. Bedford native James Frazer will be brewmaster.

The project was made possible through a combination of state and federal historic tax credits, along with a $600,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Community and Housing Development’s Industrial Revitalization Fund. “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with the state and the town of Bedford on this project,” says McCormack, “and we’re looking forward to seeing those efforts come to life when Beale’s opens later this month.”

The Beale’s name is derived from the legend of the mysterious treasure many believe was buried in Bedford by Thomas Jefferson Beale in the 1820s. Several elements in the building’s interior design and beer packaging pay homage to the legend.

Dog and family friendly, the space is designed to be a place where members of the community can enjoy a shared experience. Elements like communal seating, live music, and games will all be a part of the atmosphere at Beale’s. The taproom will serve beer and BBQ on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday from 4-10 p.m., Saturday from 12-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-7 p.m.

“This is an exciting time for Bedford because Beale’s creates a unique and dynamic destination for residents and tourists alike, and immediately adds up to 30 new jobs and $2.5 million in economic impact,” said Traci Blido, Director of Economic Development for Bedford County. “Not only will guests enjoy handcrafted beer and food, but they’ll also experience folklore that shaped our community’s character and history.”

The menu will focus on authentic wood-smoked BBQ with Texas and Virginia influences. Jared Srsic, owner of the popular restaurants Millstone Tea Room and Town Kitchen & Provisions in Bedford, will head the hospitality program. The menu will include snacks, sandwiches and desserts in addition to the BBQ, which will be sold by the pound along with various sides and sauces. In addition to the meat offerings including sliced brisket, sausage, and boneless turkey breast, guests will find items like jalapeño cashews, four varieties of BBQ sauce fit for every palate, and cookie salad for dessert, a recipe Srsic found in a church cookbook.

The 12,000 square-foot space includes a 30-barrel production brewery, taproom, and kitchen, with an indoor capacity of 86 people. Beale’s also will feature an outdoor area with seating for an additional 60 people, ringed by a stage and vintage Airstream trailer. Haase Inc. was the general contractor for the project.

For more information about Beale’s, visit www.bealesbeer.com.

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