ROANOKE, Va. – A new addition to Roanoke’s food and drink scene said goodbye to the old year in style this New Year’s Eve, but guests could not stay until the stroke of midnight.
Twisted Track Brewpub welcomed people ready to put 2020 behind them with live music and ample outdoor seating. The brewpub just opened to the public a month ago, and co-owner Will Landry said he’s blessed the business could bloom in a year that claimed so many Roanoke-area restaurants.
“This has been far and away more of a positive response than we could have imagined,” Landry said. “Nobody wants to see anybody close. I feel bad that the economy is what it is. I don’t want to jinx it and say it can only go up from here, but that’s everybody’s wish.”
Patrons could only stay until 10 p.m. due to Virginia’s COVID-19 alcohol restrictions, but Landry said the brewpub likely would have closed then regardless of the rules.
Despite the early closure, guests such as Jordyn Jones were happy to leave 2020 in the past however they could.
“This year has been hard,” Jones said. “As a teacher, it’s tough not being able to see your students every day. It’s difficult, but we’re excited for it to end. I didn’t think this year would ever end, so it’s good to move into a new year.”