USA, VA: Amber Ox Kitchen and Brewery submits application to the Williamsburg Planning Commission

Williamsburg officials are considering adding another microbrewery to the city’s growing portfolio of drinking establishments, the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily reported on April 14.

The Williamsburg area offers Virginia Beer Company, Alewerks and Brass Cannon breweries, in addition to Copper Fox Distillery and Silver Hand Meadery — and now a newcomer may be added to the list.

According to an application submitted to the Williamsburg Planning Commission on April 12, a new brewery could be opening on Prince George Street.

Williamsburg resident Chris Cook and his business partner Andrew Voss are proposing to operate a 5,360 square foot restaurant, including a 712 square foot microbrewery called Amber Ox Kitchen and Brewery.

Cook and Voss said they are in their mid-30s and are looking forward to the new business venture.

“Chris and I have a combined 25-30 years running restaurants and bars,” Voss said. “We definitely have a lot of experience and we feel really good about this project, but it’s still in the development phase.”

According to promotional material included with the application, the brewery’s menu will feature seasonal dishes and regionally-sourced ingredients.

“The Amber Ox is a welcoming culinary-focused brewery, always looking for innovative ways to create dishes that pair perfectly with our beer,” stated the application document. “By tapping into the rich culinary and brewing history of Virginia, we believe we have created something unique to Williamsburg.”

The documents indicate the business would be located — if approved by both the Planning Commission and City Council — at 525-101 Prince George Street, near the Hounds Tale restaurant.

Cook and Voss submitted two proposals for the planners to review — one request to amend the text to the B-1 Downtown Zoning District to allow micro-breweries, distilleries, cideries and wineries, and another request for a special-use permit to operate the business in the historic downtown area.

A public hearing on the application is set for the Planning Commission’s regular meeting on May 17.

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