Join

BadWolf downsizing: The latest in a downturn for the once blossoming local craft brewing industry

The announcement comes after two other Prince William County breweries close

MANASSAS — BadWolf Brewery will close it’s taproom and production facility on Kao Circle in Manassas.

Brewery owners Jeremy and Sarah Meyers listed the facility for sale online with an asking price of $450,000. It’s advertised as a great location, and that it comes “primed for expansion with a great equipment package.”

The company’s most successful brews like Mother Pucker and Jessie’s Girl were made at Kao Circle, the larger of the company’s two locations. It came to be known as “Big BadWolf.” 

The couple also held events there like “brews and brains” which featured panel discussions on focused on local history, as well as seasonal festivals like the St. Patrick’s Day Party and an annual Fall Festival.

But in the end, a lack of working capital, marketing, and the opening of the nearby 2 Silos Brewing Company at Farm Brew Live in Prince William County led to the company’s downsizing, the couple told Potomac Local in an interview Thursday.

The BadWolf name has also been removed from the BadWolf Public House in Downtown Manassas, a joint restaurant venture between the Meyers’ and the owners of CJ Finz, which opened last year. The restaurant on Battle Street is now simply called “Public House,” and the Meyers said they split with the partners on good terms.

The original BadWolf Brewing Company located on Center Street in Manassas will stay open and will become a boutique brewhouse, where smaller quantities of beer will be produced, and some distributed.

BadWolf was the first to expand

Big BadWolf opened for years ago, at a time when the craft brewing industry was taking off in the region.

The company was the catalyst that brought about changes to Prince William County’s zoning laws that, at the time, required such establishments to be located in industrial centers and outside of heavily-trafficked retail centers where you would find a restaurant. 

Initially, the Meyers wanted to expand their business to densely populated eastern Prince William County, at Tacketts Mill in Lake Ridge. Zoning laws prevented them, and Manassas City officials, which had already changed their ordinances to allow breweries outside of industrial centers, made a deal with BadWolf for the company to expand in the city.

It wasn’t long after the Meyers announced the opening of their second location that Prince William County officials voted to change their ordinance.

‘This area doesn’t have a demand for a local craft beer’

Distribution was also a problem for BadWolf. Sarah Meyers once spoke before a meeting of 1 Million Cups Prince William and told the group that Virginia law prevents BadWolf, or any brewery in the state from walking into a restaurant and encouraging the owner to carry their beer. For that, you need to sign an exclusive contract with a beer distributor, she said.

BadWolf wanted to be the beer that was synonymous with Northern Virginia, much like beer fans in Delaware embrace their native Dogfish Head, or like Goose Island Brewing Company in Chicago.

But it was difficult to get restaurant owners on board. 

“This area doesn’t have a demand for a local craft beer,” Jeremy Meyers said on Thursday. “We’re in such a transient area that people don’t have local concerns or local pride.”

Restaurant owners seemed more interested in carrying top-selling beers, like a mass-produced light beer, rather than smaller craft brews.

“It’s nobody’s fault. It’s just business,” Sarah added.

The local craft breweries that outlast their competition will be the ones with successful marketing budgets and campaigns. Less important for them will be to make great-tasting beer, the couple adds.

“People will drink it because it kinda tastes good, or that the marketing tells them it’s good,” adds Sarah.

Competition is stacking up

BadWolf was one of the first craft breweries in the Prince William County region. Lately, the area has become saturated with them.

Two Silos at Farm Brew Live — the newly opened brewery restaurant, and soon-to-be events hall and concert venue located off Prince William Parkway just outside Manassas — that took a bite of BadWolf’s sales.

“Our taproom sales were great, and then 2 Silos opened and everybody went here,” said Jeremy. 

Customers left, but sales slowly rebounded.

“They were just looking for the newest, shiniest thing,” added Sarah.

Now a second Manassas City brewery, Heritage Brewing Company is set for expansion at a facility less than a mile from 2 Silos. Heritage will open a new larger brewing facility that will include a restaurant.

It will anchor the city’s latest development “The Landing at Cannon Branch” behind the city’s DMV office, formerly known as Manassas Gateway.

The latest in a string of closings

Back when BadWolf was expanding and the idea of new craft breweries opening up around the street corner was a new and fun. The general consensus among craft brewery owners was “rising tides raise all boats,” meaning that when one does well they all help out each other.

That’s a model seen in places like Asheville, N.C., a tourist destination that is home to more than 40 local craft breweries. But back home in Virginia, today’s announcement from BadWolf follows a string of recent brewery closings to include Heroic Aleworks and Ornery Brew Pub (the first of its kind in Prince William County) both in Woodbridge, which closed this year.

“You’re going to see a lot more of this happening,” Jeremy said.

You can blame it on a lack of demand for local brews, or the fact that, unlike Asheville, Manassas and Prince William County are not tourist destinations and are not poised with a population to support so many local craft breweries.

“We’re a commuter town. Manassas is trying to become a tourist destination but they’re not there yet,” he added.

After unloading Big BadWolf, the Meyers’ plan to spend more time together and with their newborn. The family business and all of it day-to-day responsibilities of had been putting undue strain on their marriage, the couple admitted. They’re also looking forward to spending more time at the original BadWolf location doing what they do best.

“We’re going to brew some badass beers,” said Jeremy.

Recent Stories

Stafford residents will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed county government budget that would see the average homeowner pay $276 in Real Estate taxes next year, amounting to an average homeowner’s $3,866 Real Estate tax bill.

Stafford County could get a new skate park at St. Clair Brooks Memorial Park, 80 Butler Road in Falmouth.

Stafford County’s Historical Commission could soon be a thing of the past.

To conduct disaster recovery testing, the Interstate 95/395 E-ZPass Lanes will undergo a double-reversal overnight from March 22 to March 23, 2024.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list