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After eight years of serving craft beer to Chesterfield County and beyond, Steam Bell Beer Works has announced it will be closing.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share some difficult news: Steam Bell will be closing its doors for the final time this Sunday," co-owner Brad Cooper posted to social media on Friday.
The family-owned Steam Bell Beer Works opened at 1717 Oak Lake Blvd. in Midlothian in June 2016. When it opened, it was Chesterfield's first craft brewery. Now, there are several in Chesterfield and Midlothian, such as Triple Crossing and Hidden Wit Brewing.
Cooper launched the business, along with his mom, dad and sister. His wife, Andrea, whom he met through Brown Distributing, also joined the business.
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Steam Bell is known for its innovative craft beer, as well as its family friendly atmosphere. It started with 6,000 square feet of space in Midlothian and expanded to 9,000 square feet for production and storage.
Steam Bell expanded into Richmond's Fan District in 2018 as Canon & Draw at 1529 W. Main St. But the pandemic had a debilitating effect when it shut down restaurants and breweries.
"We had good business early on, but when COVID shut everything down, we tried hard to get some life back into it. But we just couldn't. It took too many resources from Steam Bell to justify it," Cooper said.
Canon & Draw closed in 2022.
Cooper said the past few years have been "particularly tough for the craft beer industry -- marked by declining sales and shrinking shelf space in grocery stores."
Last year, two long-running Richmond craft breweries shut their doors: Isley Brewing Co. and Castleburg Brewery and Taproom. Legend Brewing Co., the state's oldest craft brewery, also shifted from a full-service restaurant to a taproom. In May, Legend said it was considering selling its business or its building.
"The past two years have been the worst years for craft beer in 50 years," said Cooper, citing changing consumer preferences, high inflation and customers having less disposable income.
Steam Bell's landlord decided not to renew the couple's lease, Cooper said, and they have not been able to find another space.
As for next steps, he said, "We're not entirely sure yet. We were focusing so hard on how to keep the business afloat. We had a plan and a backup plan and another backup plan. They all slowly fell through. Ultimately, we made the decision to cease operations and dig out from here."
Steam Bell will be offering $5 beers all weekend until it runs out. On Sunday, Pat O'Brien RVA will close out the final day with a performance at 3 p.m.
PHOTOS: Steam Bell Beer Works over the years
Colleen Curran (804) 649-6151
Colleen Curran
Living Editor
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