Asheville, N.C. – In conjunction with the Buncombe County Commission, Asheville City Council, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Burial Beer Co. announced today it will create 17 new jobs and invest $1.8 million for its second brewing facility and tasting room in Asheville.
Adding to Burial’s current 1,500 barrel annual production, the new 1.4 acre location near Biltmore Village will support 9,000 barrels with a phased expansion up to 16,000. Brewing could be underway by May 2016.
“Building Burial’s community from the ground up has been a humbling experience for our family,” said Jess Reiser, co-owner of Burial Beer. “We wouldn’t exist without the support and loyalty of our friends and patrons who choose to enjoy a pint with us, spread the word around town, and bring their families over for our Sunday jazz brunches and holiday dinners. Our expansion is a result of deeper community connections grounded in celebrating great craft beer.”
The expansion creates 17 full-time jobs and will enable Burial to begin limited distribution into new markets in Georgia and South Carolina, in addition to its current distribution to select markets across North Carolina. Improved packaging capability will expand its canned beer distribution with a greater variety of distinct styles, while Burial’s original location will focus on brewing wild fermented farmhouse beers. Its most popular flagship beers are Skillet Donut Stout and Scythe Rye IPA.
This is Burial’s second expansion within a year, which included adding a 10-barrel system, outdoor bar, beer garden, and urban garden at its South Slope location of 40 Collier Avenue. Burial Beer credits its rapid growth and success to its overwhelmingly loyal crowd of local support.
Consistent with the nature of its current brewhouse, Burial Beer owners Jess and Doug Reiser and Tim Gormley, part-owner and head brewer, selected the historically significant location at 16 Shady Oak Dr. near Biltmore Village for its opportunity to restore an important property in Asheville’s history that will once again contribute to the regional economy.
“We applaud Burial’s sustainable approach to preserving an important piece of our city’s history and look forward to its vibrant future,”said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. “Asheville’s brewing reputation is derived from successful local breweries like Burial that are esteemed for their quality craft beer.”
The brewery plans to refurbish the six early 20th century buildings that served as living and working quarters for members of the Civilian Conservation Corp during FDR’s New Deal Program. These young men were involved in the original construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which for decades has been a backbone of WNC’s tourism economy.
Future plans for the brewery’s new site include an urban farm, restaurant, an outdoor event space for concerts and festivals, and a taproom scheduled to open in fall 2016.
When Burial opened in June 2013 operating a one-barrel pilot system, it was Asheville’s 12th brewery. Today there are 21 in Buncombe County, an area that’s earned its reputation as the definitive east coast capital of craft beer. Asheville is said to have the most breweries per capita of any U.S. city.
“We couldn’t be more excited about Burial Beer’s expansion that adds good jobs to our community. Buncombe County is proud of its continued support for growing local businesses that form the foundation of our creative economy,” commented David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners.
“Burial Beer reflects the spirit of innovation and smart growth that drives our entrepreneurial community forward. We celebrate their contribution to one of our thriving industries in which Asheville is a major player at the national level,” added Taylor Foss, EDC Chair and SVP, Organizational Transformation at Mission Health.
Burial Beer Co., located on the South Slope in Asheville, N.C., is a community driven brewery. Much like the Jazz funerals in New Orleans’ culture, the Burial brand nods to the afterlife celebrating the cycle of life, of harvest and brewing. Its most popular flagship beers are Skillet Donut Stout and Scythe Rye IPA. Burial is expanding with limited distribution of canned beers into new markets in Georgia and South Carolina, in addition to its current select markets in North Carolina. For expanded taproom hours, beers on tap, and special events, check Burial’s website at www.burialbeer.com.
The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and about 70 private investors through AVL 5×5. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development. Learn more about AVL 5×5 at www.asheville5x5.com.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes over 208,000 visitors per year. To get active in the Chamber, visit www.ashevillechamber.org.