10-07-2025
Manchester's Dogtown space set for rooftop and brewery revival
The old Dogtown Brewing space in Manchester and its spectacular rooftop won't sit empty for much longer.
Why it matters: Richmond chef Mike Lindsey and his Lindsey Food Group are partnering with the folks from Brainstorm Brewhouse to bring a totally unique beer and food experience to the spot, they tell Axios.
The big picture: The group inked a deal this week to open Bolo's Eatery and Blackwell & Brainstorm Brewhouse in the Hull Street property.
Bolo, which is also Lindsey's dad's nickname, will be a full-service bone-in fried chicken and oyster-focused restaurant, which Lindsey will lead.
And the guys behind Brainstorm Brewhouse in Scott's Addition will helm the brewery operation as Blackwell & Brainstorm Brewhouse.
Context: Dogtown Brewing closed in 2020 after less than a year in business, but it's sat empty since.
Its owner, embattled local businessman Michael Hild, was found guilty in a bond fraud scheme in 2021.
State of play: Lindsey had his eye on the Dogtown spot for years, he tells Axios.
When it came on the market last year, he briefly considered teaching himself to brew to make the brewery part work. ("It's just following recipes, right?" he joked).
Instead, he got connected with Brainstorm, one of Richmond's first Black-owned breweries.
After one taste of their award-winning chocolate lager, Lindsey says he and his wife (and restaurant group co-owner) Kim were sold.
Zoom in: Brainstorm plans to level up their operation and expand distribution in the Dogtown space, Daryl Puller, co-owner and head brewer, tells Axios.
It's five times bigger than their current set-up inside Black Heath Meadery, where he and co-owner (and "head beer taster") CM Bryant opened last year, Puller says.
Brainstorm has grown a following for their stouts and IPAs, but they try to make something for everyone, he says. They hope to start doing cans in the new spot, too.
If you're not into beer, no problem. Bolo will have a full bar, plus wine, ciders and seltzers available.
Also on the Bolo menu: Po'boys, burgers, fish and chips, shrimp and grits, and a full raw bar, including Virginia-sourced oysters.
Locals can stop by for lunch and dinner, a fun atmosphere, a dope happy hour, killer food and the best beer in the city, Lindsey says.
