Bedford’s first brewery will open on June 24

Beale’s, the first brewery in the town of Bedford, plans to open on June 24. The 12,000-square-foot facility at 510 Grove St. includes a 30-barrel production brewery, taproom and kitchen.

Beale’s also will have a barbecue restaurant with an indoor capacity of 86 people and an outdoor area with seating for 60.

The $2 million project is expected to create 30 jobs.

It has been in the works since October 2015 when Waukeshaw Development approached Bedford County and town officials about the idea of bringing a brewery to Bedford. Based in Petersburg, Waukeshaw focuses on historic tax credit developments and was the force behind Petersburg’s Trapezium Brewing Co.

The Beale’s project involved a combination of state and federal historic tax credits, along with a $600,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Community and Housing Development’s Industrial Revitalization Fund. “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with the state and the town of Bedford on this project,” Dave McCormack, president of Waukeshaw Development, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to seeing those efforts come to life when Beale’s opens later this month.”

Beale’s name comes from a local legend of treasure that some believe was buried in Bedford by Thomas Jefferson Beale back in the 1820s.

The brewery’s flagship beer will be Beale’s Gold, a lager. In addition to lager-style beers, other options will include IPAs and fruit beers. Beale’s plans to distribute its beer locally starting this summer and eventually expand distribution statewide.
Bedford native James Frazer will serve as the facility’s brewmaster. Jared Srsic, the local restauranteur behind Town Kitchen & Provisions and Millstone Tea Room, will lead the taproom’s barbecue program.