Co-founder of Steam Bell Beer Works Brewery talks next steps after Chesterfield business closes

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Chesterfield County brewery, Steam Bell Beer Works, is shutting its doors after eight years of serving craft brews, plating up food and hosting community gatherings.

The announcement comes after the brewery faced challenges, including the building owner’s decision not to renew their lease .

Brad Cooper, co-founder of Steam Bell Beer Works, shared his feelings about the closure — reflecting on the memories and experiences they’ve created over the years.

“Definitely a lot of emotions — you know, when we first made this place, we had a contractor doing a lot of the work, but it was my father that built these tables and my mother and sister that were painting these walls,” Cooper said. “They’ve been here since day one. And then, a few years ago, my wife joined the mix.”

The brewery, founded in 2016, quickly became a popular spot for locals to enjoy delicious craft beer and socialize.

“The first event that we hosted here was my 10th high school reunion — which was an interesting, interesting thing,” Cooper said.

Despite exploring options to relocate, the Cooper family ultimately decided to close the brewery.

“We’ve looked at some different options to move into a different building,” Cooper said. “[But] we just did not have the resources available to be able to make a move like that.”

Following the announcement , Steam Bell Beer Works received an overwhelming amount of support from the community.

“We were getting emails from some other brewery owners that said, ‘Hey, like we’ve got some space,'” Cooper said. “Incredibly humbling to hear that there’s still enough camaraderie amongst a lot of the local brewers.”

While the future of Steam Bell Beer Works remains uncertain, Cooper and his wife plan to spend time with their three children during this transition.

“Beer — it’s a big enough part of our lives that I think will always be tied to the industry,” Cooper said.

Cooper expressed his gratitude to the staff, family and customers who have supported Steam Bell Beer Works Brewery throughout the years.

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