USA, VA: Big Ugly Brewing finally breaking ground on new location

Big Ugly Brewing Company is finally breaking ground on its new location in Chesapeake almost exactly one year after getting city approval for the project, the Virginian-Pilot reported on November 7.

The new brewery should be open by summer and feature a 15-barrel system, which would double its current output. It would also allow Big Ugly to significantly upgrade its tasting room, increasing to 2,500 square feet, up from 1,400 square feet.

The new location will also feature an extensive outdoor space with fire pits, food trucks, Tesla charging stations, and live music. There will be an area for private parties indoors, as well as several classic cars gutted and retrofitted for people to sit in.

Big Ugly’s groundbreaking took unusually long due to disagreements with the city over property taxes, turn lanes and traffic studies. Now, finally, excitement has returned within the Big Ugly camp, but there are still lots of hurdles to clear.

“Hopefully everything works out and we can get into the new building soon,” said co-owner Jim Lantry. “We are ready to start a new chapter.”

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