Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development

Isley Brewing Company to Open in ViBe Creative District

April 18, 2018

Richmond-based Isley Brewing Company will open a second location in Virginia Beach's ViBe Creative District at 315 Virginia Beach Blvd. The 5,582-square-foot building was built in 1946. The new facility, which is scheduled to open in July 2018, will include a brewery capable of producing 2,000 barrels of beer a year, a tasting room, live music and events. The company will invest $825,000 in real estate, business property and machinery and tools. Additionally, 10 full-time jobs will be created.

"We welcome Isley Brewing Company to the Virginia Beach craft beer community," said Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren D. Harris. "The location in the ViBe Creative District will provide another reason to visit the assortment of businesses and endeavors in this thriving section of the city."

Mike Isley had a choice of several markets before selecting Virginia Beach for his second location, but the potential to tap into 15.2 million visitors and the resort lifestyle had a strong appeal. The Virginia Beach location is within walking distance to the Atlantic and the ever-popular boardwalk.

"Fifty percent of the beers will be the same, giving us the opportunity to try different things as well," said Isley to Virginia Craft Beer magazine. "We may do a few more genuine sours. We're really loving our kettle sours and goses."

The Virginia Beach Development Authority has awarded an Economic Development Investment Program grant in the amount of $30,000 to Isley Brewing Company based on the capital investment.

A recent economic impact report by the Beer Institute showed that the Virginia beer industry employed more than 28,000 people in production, distribution and retail, and contributed nearly a billion dollars in state and local taxes in 2016. Excise and sales taxes on beer consumption contributed another $280 million to Virginia's tax rolls last year.

The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. The Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council in 2016 and is one of only 50 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. Virginia Beach was named America's #1 best big city to live in by wallethub.com. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.

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