Deschtues Brewery announced today that they will be building a new production facility and tasting room on the East Coast in Roanoke, Virginia. The search took over four years and included Asheville, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina as possible locations.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Deschutes executives announced Tuesday in downtown Roanoke that the craft brewer will build its East Coast production brewery at the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology.
The project is estimated at $85 million and will bring at least 108 new jobs to the Roanoke community. Deschutes will be building the new facility on approximately 49 acres at the business park.
Deschutes officials said they sought an East Coast site that would be a match the Deschutes culture and community. Roanoke offers that match in terms of livability and outdoor amenities, in addition to great water and wastewater infrastructure that is ideal for brewing.
The Roanoke region has been in the running over the last few years for several craft brewers including Sierra Nevada Brewing and Stone Brewing. Sierra Nevada went to the Asheville area and Stone chose Richmond.
We look forward to hearing more about Deschutes plans and timing for the east coast and will keep you posted as soon as we know more.