San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. announced Thursday it will invest $74 million in a production brewery and destination restaurant in Richmond, VA.
The brewery is expected to be operational in late 2015 or early 2016, with Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens opening a year or two after that. Ultimately, the company will employ more than 288 people in the Greater Fulton area of Richmond.
“The search for our location east of the Mississippi River was no easy endeavor,” said Stone President and Co-founder Steve Wagner. “Richmond’s vibrant energy and impressive craft beer culture, along with the uniqueness of the property, will allow us to create a truly memorable Stone experience for our fans.”
Stone anticipates building a 200,000 square-foot production brewery and distribution facility on 14 acres of land. The company also plans to renovate a two-story, 30,000-square-foot building as a destination restaurant featuring locally grown organic food.
“A facility on the East Coast will allow us to meet demand for our beer, ensure we are providing our fans with the freshest beer possible and also serve as a distribution hub for states located east of the Mississippi,” said Stone CEO and Co-founder Greg Koch. “We look forward to becoming an integral part of the lively craft beer community in Richmond, the state of Virginia and the entire eastern U.S.”
Stone said it examined more than 40 locations in 20 states before picking Richmond.
“We are thrilled about Stone’s decision to choose Richmond as its East Coast production and distribution facility location,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The fact that they have chosen a site in the Greater Fulton Community underscores their understanding of the rich history and natural assets that we have to offer.”
This is the second expansion Stone has announced this year. In July, the company said it will become the first American craft brewer to independently own and operate a brewery in Europe with the opening of a facility in Berlin.
