A loss for the local food and beer scene
The Roanoke Times l File photo
In today’s Virginia section, you’ll find an article by reporter Jeff Sturgeon about the closure of Shooting Creek Brewery in Floyd County. The news disappointed me because I found a lot of promise when I wrote a profile of the company back in October 2009.
Since then, my suspicion that Shooting Creek would be a big success continued to grow. Whenever I talked to folks who sold the beer in their stores, they said demand for the beer was very high. Unfortunately, supply was a problem. At first, according to brewery owner Brett Nichols, that was because they were such a small operation and could only make so much beer. But they hoped to get bigger as time went on.
Now, that hope has been dashed by “a divorce and very personal events,” Nichols told Sturgeon.
In addition to the brewery, the Nichols’ farm, Five Penny Farm, has also closed. The property, farmhouses, brew house and some of the beer-making equipment is for sale. Five Penny Farm was a big supplier in Southwest Virginia’s local food scene. According to today’s story, at least, one of two of the farm’s locations in Floyd County has been leased to someone who has hired Brett Nichols as farm manager.
Sturgeon reported that the Shooting Creek Brewery brand is for sale, along with the recipes, label artwork and distribution contracts. That stuff is for sale separately from the brew house and equipment. Those were some great recipes, though, so anyone interested in starting their own brewery may want to take a look.
I always hate to see local businesses close. Best of luck to the Nichols family.
Are there any Shooting Creek fans out there who have thoughts about this closure?
June 23, 2011 - 12:57 PM
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We thought it was by far the best local brew and often bought it out (Local Roots) or at the Co-op. Very sad for their personaly tragedy and the loss of this great local farmer / producer.
So sad! When I emailed the original article about the closing to my husband this morning, his immediate response was, “Go find some Red Tractor!” (it’s our favorite of the Shooting Creek beers). Thankfully a local store had some in stock. Hopefully someone will pick up the recipes and continue the business because it was a great feeling to support a local company with a great beer.
We never did get a chance to have any of their products due to our food allergies, but several friends of ours loved their products and had them for gatherings at their house. I’m sure they will be upset to know they’ll have to get another supplier. Divorces are always messy and it’s sad when something good gets damaged in the process…be it the kids, a company, or a sports franchise (Dodgers).
What a shame! I just did a photo shoot at Shooting Creek in the fall for Draft magazine. It was selected as one of the best new breweries. Best of luck, Brett!
As OJ wisely stated, marital problems are often disturbing, and can have consequences beyond those of the two individuals. I’ve honestly little interest in the brewery, but I do feel sympathy for the two people involved, especially because their issues are now being splashed in the newspaper, no matter how ‘mild’ the result. Here’s wishing them the best of a resolution, however it results.
Does anyone have a bottle of the Shooting Creek Pumpkin Ale? I need it for my collection and will pay fairly for it.
Does anyone know how to get in touch with the owners about purchasing the brewing equipment? The phone # for the brewery is disconnected?
Thanks!
@ Jake, I’m working on getting some contact information for you and will email you as soon as possible.
@ Mike P., I hope someone hears you and can help. I will see what I can find out. Maybe the brewery folks still have some of that laying around and would give you a bottle for your collection.
Thanks a lot, Lindsey. I really appreciate it. If you hear anything, please email me at mfp34@yahoo.com.