Across the United States, breweries have been shutting off their taps. The New York Times reported more breweries closed than opened in 2025 — the first time that’s happened in 20 years.
And Hampton Roads isn’t immune.
Armed Forces Brewing, mired in controversy, closed last spring. Smartmouth closed its original Norfolk location in late December, while keeping its Virginia Beach location open. The Bold Mariner announced on social media in November plans to sell the property and close the taproom.
“If we were having this conversation, let’s say about a year ago, we hadn’t seen any closures in the city,” said Andrew Coplon, the Norfolk-based founder of trade group Craft Beer Professionals and Secret Hopper, which helps breweries improve their customer experience…