Smartmouth Brewing Company Expands to Virginia Beach
December 20, 2016
New use created for 1958-era Post Office Smartmouth Brewing Company is expanding to Virginia Beach and will bring its popular flagship beers—Alter Ego Saison, Murphy's Law Amber Ale and Rule G IPA as well as new limited release beers—to the resort district. The company has leased the former U.S. Post Office building at 313 32nd Street.Smartmouth Brewing Company currently produces 4,400 barrels of craft beer each year in its Norfolk location. The 9,457-square-foot building on 32nd Street will be transformed into a brewery, tasting room and private-event space. Smartmouth expects to brew an additional 600 to 800 barrels a year in the new location with a focus on experimentation and creativity. The opening is anticipated for summer 2017. Smartmouth President Porter Hardy commented, "Smartmouth is proud to expand within the community where we work and live. Our employees and customers include residents from all over the 757 and this new location is intended to solidify our commitment to the region. On a personal level, I grew up just a few blocks away and can remember going to the Post Office as a kid so it is kind of surreal and just really exciting.""This is a great re-use for a unique property in the resort district, and we welcome Smartmouth Brewing Company to Virginia Beach," said Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren D. Harris."The craft beer community continues to grow in Virginia Beach, creating a lot of excitement for both locals and visitors. This announcement, the opening of Green Flash Brewing Co. last month and the success of several other breweries add to the vibrancy of the city," said Michelle Chapleau, business development coordinator. The Virginia Beach Development Authority has awarded an Economic Development Investment Program grant in the amount of $20,000 to Smartmouth Brewing Company for its capital investment in the project. Porter Hardy IV opened Smartmouth Brewing Company in 2012 after years of homebrew experimentation to create one of the Southeast's most promising startup craft breweries. Hardy traded his briefcase and corner office at a law firm for pint glasses and tap handles. With help from inspired brewers and a collection of like-minded investors and friends, Smartmouth distributes its award-winning craft beers throughout Virginia. This will be the company's second location. Work Program Architects of Norfolk will oversee the design of the new brewery. 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. Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia with a population of 450,000, and it is the 37th largest in the United States. It is recognized as one of the Best Run Cities in America by 24/7 Wall St. 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. It is listed among the Top Five Overall Mid-sized American Cities of the Future, Top 10 for Economic Potential and Top Five for Infrastructure by fDi magazine. CNNMoney.com ranked Virginia Beach as the Easiest Place to Start a Business and the 2nd Most Business-Friendly City in the country. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.20161220 Smartmouth Brewing Company Expands in Virginia Beach.pdfSmartmouth Virginia Beach North Elevation.pdfSmartmouth Virginia Beach South Elevation.pdf
