The Brew

When water is the main ingredient of your business’s main product, a boil advisory is “pretty much a worst case scenario.”

The Richmond-area beer scene has not been immune to broader industry troubles, as more local breweries closed in 2024 than any previous year since the craft beer boom began about 10 years ago.

Väsen is leasing the space from local firm Dodson Development Group, which bought it, along with the neighboring buildings housing The Locker Room and Riverside Tavern last year.

Craft owner Matt Verdisco will be the head brewer and namesake of Angry Man Brewing. His wife said their family has joked for years about his stern look and disposition. 

“Customers don’t have money to spend because inflation’s eaten into their pockets and they have to pick and choose where they go,” Pakurar said. “Going out and having fun takes second place.” 

“We’re building a destination, and that’s why we’ve really taken our time,” said Good Ship Brewing’s Donnie Barber. “We’re not really in competition with anybody with this. In Hopewell there’s nothing else around here like this.”

The Chapter 7 filling came just days after Steam Bell ceased operations after nine years in business. Its biggest debt is $720,000 owed to the SBA.

“They’re asking for more money because they need more money. The cost of living in Richmond has gone through the roof,” said a rep for the Teamsters’ Local 322 branch, which is representing Stone’s local workers.

With Steam Bell’s lease expiring, the brewery was apparently unable to come up with a new location amid a challenging business landscape, according to a social media post on Friday that appeared to be written by owner Brad Cooper.

There’s already been some cross-pollination between Brainstorm and Black Heath Meadery, which uses fermented honey. One of Brainstorm’s initial beers is Buzz Worthy honey lager.