Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Billsburg Brewery is receiving a $100,000 Virginia Tourism Growth Fund grant to assist with the development of the new craft brewery. The funds will be used for creating additional parking, pedestrian access, a beer garden, a “hops garden” and other visitor-facing additions.
Billsburg Brewery was announced in August 2016 and will open in the coming weeks. Billsburg Brewery is the first craft brewery of its kind in the County and is located at 2054 Jamestown Road at the James City County Marina. The total capital investment for Billsburg Brewery is $1.4 million and is expected to create nine jobs.
“With more than 200 breweries across the Commonwealth, craft beer is big business and an important driver for economic growth in Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The addition of Billsburg Brewery will be an exciting development not only for the residents of James City County, but also for visitors who are looking for an authentic destination brewery experience.”
“Craft beer is a vibrant and expanding industry in Virginia, contributing a growing $1 billion in economic impact across the Commonwealth,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The addition of new breweries, like Billsburg Brewery, not only represents new job creation and revenue generation, but it also stimulates economic growth in Virginia by supporting manufacturing, tourism, and local farmers. This will be a fantastic new attraction for the Greater Williamsburg area and for the region as a whole.”
“We envision Billsburg Brewery as a destination brewery where visitors come to enjoy meticulously-brewed craft beer and stay to enjoy surrounding local attractions,” said David Baum, owner of Billsburg Brewery. “We will offer a unique visitor experience through small batch beer and food, educational brewery tours, and a tasting room. Billsburg will also serve the community as a venue to host a diverse array of events held throughout the year.”
“The addition of Billsburg Brewery will create an exciting new dynamic in our community,” said Bryan Hill, County Administrator for James City County. “With a beautiful tasting room and views of the James City County Marina, the brewery will be an establishment that attracts visitors and residents alike, driving economic growth in James City County. Tourism plays a key role in our local economy, and Billsburg Brewery will enhance the unique visitor experience offered in the Jamestown Road corridor. It will be added to the list of assets that create continued synergy in our growing County. James City County is becoming a destination as well as a great place to live, work and play.”
“As chairman of the James City County Economic Development Authority, I am pleased and excited to be part of this new business venture on this beautiful and historic waterfront site. Billsburg Brewery is truly a public private partnership, between the Commonwealth of Virginia, the County as property owner, our EDA as the landlord, and a craft brewery with local investors and operators. It is this type of business that we want to encourage to invest here, and hope that it helps spur new development and redevelopment in the region,” said Thomas Tingle. “While the James City County EDA is also focused on traditional economic development – recruitment and expansion of industries and businesses - this type of venture is likewise significant. It’s about placemaking, and enhancing a great quality of life that attracts the creative class and makes James City County a desirable place to live, work and play. The EDA is glad to play a role in the startup and success of Billsburg Brewery.”
Billsburg Brewery utilizes existing space at the James City County Marina for their taproom and a new building was constructed for their brewing operation. The recreational opportunities will remain at the marina including boat ramp, equipment rentals and Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours.
Billsburg Brewery joins numerous other attractions in the Jamestown Road corridor including Jamestown Beach Event Park, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, the Virginia Capital Trail, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and the Colonial Parkway.
A video of the presentation is available on YouTube.
View the Office of the Governor’s press release here. For more information about Billsburg Brewery, visit them online or on Facebook.
Media Contact:
Amy Jordan, Economic Development Director
757-897-7460; amy.jordan@jamescitycountyva.gov