BEDFORD, Va. – With more than 200 breweries across the commonwealth, the town of Bedford is joining in the trend. It's hoping to bring a unique experience to the area with the first Virginia-made beer packaged in an eight-pack.
WSLS 10 was able to get a look at the new brewery nearing completion.
Bedford will have its own treasure downtown, and a big boost to the economy, with the opening of its first beer company restaurant.
The meaning behind the name Beale's comes from the legend of Thomas Jefferson Beale and the possible treasure he left behind in the 1800s.
"He went out to go buffalo hunting and while his party was out there... near El Paso, they stumbled upon a big gold deposit. They brought it back here to Bedford and buried it," said Dave McCormack, president of Waukeshaw.
Beale's has been in the works since 2015. An old manufacturing building dating back to the 1930s is being transformed into a 30-barrel production brewery, taproom and restaurant.
Developer Dave McCormack believes his concept will help stand out from the competition around the valley.
"We have the 11-ounce bottle and the eight-ounce box. We are trying to feel a little bit vintage at the same time. We are heavily focused on the lager while others are focused on IPAs or fruit beers," McCormack said.
The 12,000-square-foot space can seat 86 people, with seating for an additional 60 at the outdoor patio.
While enjoying a meal, they'll be able to see the beer being made on site.
Beale's Beer will first be distributed locally and later across Virginia.
"We want to make a really approachable beer and get away from some of the real heavy styles and high alcohol content that's going on all over the craft brewery (industry) right now."
Beale's hired 30 new people and a Bedford native will be the brewmaster. McCormack says Beale's is $2.3 million project.
The taproom will serve beer and BBQ from 4-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Beale's will open to the public June 24.