USA, VA: Bedlam Brewing preparing to open in the coming months in Staunton

A new brewery called Bedlam Brewing is set to open in the coming months in Staunton, Virginia, Staunton News Leader reported on August 14.

The addition makes a total of four breweries in Staunton, creating another stop along the new Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

Mike McMackin took over the former Ma and Pa's pizza place's lease in June and started construction on the bar a week and a half ago.

The New Hope resident said he is excited to see things happening in the space. Currently, much of the building has been stripped down to its bare bones. McMackin said it should be up to eight weeks before the new brewery starts taking shape.

McMackin has been home brewing for more than 20 years and has been brewing up small batches more frequently in the past few years. The new brewery will showcase multiple ales and lagers with a two barrel system and up to 12 taps, he said. When the brewery opens, McMackin hopes to have at least six beers on tap and one bottled beer. McMackin said he plans on bottling some beers on a small batch scale.

The new business owner recently retired as a teacher for Augusta County Public Schools after his youngest child graduated from high school. He said it was time for something different.

"I just wanted a change of pace," he said.

Previously, McMackin worked for a number of years in the restaurant industry — something that will benefit him in his new brewery. He plans on having a working kitchen and offering pub food on-site.

Bedlam Brewing is located on Augusta Street in the former Ma and Pa's restaurant along the outer edges of Staunton. Ma and Pa's recently closed in April after more than 20 years of business.

McMackin is aiming to provide a new place for locals and visitors to check out.

"I hope this helps make Staunton a brew hub," he said. "The more (breweries) the better."

The new spot will make brewery number 14 on the Beerwerks Trail spanning from Harrisonburg to Natural Bridge.

"Breweries are trending in our area and Staunton is becoming a craft beer destination," said Ruth Jones, spokeswoman for the city of Staunton. "There are eight craft breweries and wineries located within a 16-mile radius of the city and our tourism department is now marketing the city’s breweries as part of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail."

As for the name, McMackin said Bedlam Brewing really encompasses what he's about.

"I wanted something that was a little chaotic and represented the diversity in everybody," he said.

For now, McMackin is currently waiting for his Virginia brewery license so he can start brewing beer on-site.

"I'm excited for this process," he said. "We're really happy to be in Staunton. I hope to partner up with other businesses and breweries in town."

15 August, 2016