USA, VA: State Street Brewery coming to Bristol

Something is brewing in Bristol, VA, WCYB reported on March 29.

What was formerly Hayes Furniture on State Street is now State Street Brewery.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the revitalization of downtown" says Debi Denney.

Debi and her husband Larry, longtime Bristol residents, bought the old building.

It's mostly a family business they initially looked to start in Cincinnati.

"There's sixty breweries in Cincinnati last we counted" says Kodi Pierson. "It's a very saturated market."

Through family connections, they looked to Bristol.

"Revitalizing buildings go well with what craft beer is" says Kent Pierson. "It's a community thing. It's an artsy thing. Taking something like this you will never find something like this."

The craft beer scene is growing quickly in the region.

When State Street Brewery opens for business, it'll be the thirteenth craft brewery in the Tri-Cities, the fifth in the last four years, and the third in Downtown Bristol.

They don't view themselves competing against other businesses.

"Really in the brew scene you're helping each other out. It's one giant community and we're one big brotherhood and we're all after the same thing" Kent says. "Good beer. Keeping those cultures alive and really serving something up people want to enjoy."

The goal is to make it an atmosphere for all.

"We're trying to make this a space for everyone" Kodi says. "That's why when we built this bar we added a handicap section to it because we want everyone to feel welcome."

01 April, 2019