07-03-2025
Armed Forces Brewing Company leaving Norfolk, to relocate elsewhere
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Armed Forces Brewing Company's tumultuous time in the Mermaid City is coming to an end, as its CEO said Thursday he would close the taproom and brewing facility and move it to another location, and that he planed to file criminal complaints 'against some of the perpetrators' that he claims forced his hand.
'Because of the actions of a group of people with a woke agenda who continue to affect our ability to operate profitably in Norfolk, we have closed the taproom and brewing facility in Virginia and plan to relocate our business to a more pro-small business social and economic climate,' said Alan Beal, CEO of Armed Forces Brewing Company.
In December 2023, Norfolk City Council approved a conditional use permit for the brewery, which took over the former O'Connor Brewing building on W. 24th Street in the Park Place neighborhood.
Controversial Armed Forces Brewing gets permit approved by Norfolk City Council
That approval had come after months of heavy pushback from the community, which had argued that the company's messaging was divisive and bigoted, in particular, comments made by former Navy SEAL and company spokesperson Robert J. O'Neill, and that the brash military theme was a 'cheap marketing ploy' and disrespectful to the region's prolific military contingent.
Norfolk residents, elected officials and those in the craft beer industry said they were not thrilled by anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and other 'divisive' messaging coming from the Armed Forces Brewing Company, which had announced its intention to locate in Norfolk in July 2023, just after O'Connor Brewing had announced that it was closing up shop at W. 24th Street after 13 years, with the military tribute brewer and veteran-owned and operated Armed Forces Brewing taking its place.
'Divisive' brewer coming to Norfolk gets pushback from residents, elected officials
Beal said the company had chosen Norfolk for its large military and veteran community, and appreciated the support it did get in the region. The Norfolk location was Armed Forces Brewing's flagship brewery and its first in Virginia.
, as a news release about the brewery noted that the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the city of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project for Virginia, with Norfolk winning out over locations in Florida and Maryland for the project.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership came up with Project Seawolf, which offered Norfolk's O'Connor Brewing for sale and more than $300,000 in tax incentives to Armed Forces Brewing, , which itself cited reporting from the .
Virginia_s_Financial_Offer_for_Project_Seawolf_3.8.23-1Download
But after it opened its doors Jan. 27, 2024, Armed Forces Brewing lasted in Norfolk just over a year before Beal's announcement Thursday.
'Unfortunately, our ability to profitably operate in Norfolk was severely affected by the local woke mob — a few individuals in the area who have no love for the traditional American values we hold as a company,' Beal said. 'These people spread outright lies about our company, our employees and our shareholders before we even opened our doors. We unfortunately live in a world where getting called a 'homophobe,' 'transphobe' and 'racist' over and over by a small number of people can get amplified online making it difficult for a small business to overcome at the local level. The sad fact is that some people believe what they hear regardless how obviously false it is. The sadder fact is these people cost good people in Norfolk their jobs.'
When Armed Forces Brewing announced its arrival to Norfolk, the governor's office noted it would create 47 new jobs and employ at least 70% of its workforce company-wide from U.S. military veterans.
Beal accused 'the local woke mob' of spreading lies about the business and filing false complaints with local authorities, while also threatening local companies who worked with Armed Forces Brewing. He said in addition to filing criminal complaints in Virginia, they intend to help in prosecuting them.
'We fought back and will continue to do so, but the cumulative effect of their actions have made it impossible to profitably run the taproom from Norfolk,' Beal said. 'As a result, the building and taproom will be put up for sale while we look for a new home and headquarters in a friendlier environment.'
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