(Chico, CA) – A Pennsylvania newspaper reported on Thursday that Sierra Nevada Brewing has big plans for the East Coast.
Update: Official comments from Sierra Nevada Brewing
Per the Centre Daily Times, “Sierra Nevada [is] looking to invest at least $50 million in a 30-to 40-acre site.” What will be the brewery’s second facility is expected to create more than 100 jobs according to the article. (Yes, they’re staying Chico).
A source said that Virginia and North Carolina were potential alternative sites. Craft Business Daily reported yesterday (h/t to Jack Curtin) “that Blacksburg, Virginia; Ohio; or State College, Penn. are possibilities.” You can look forward to a lot of locations being tossed around in the coming weeks as the rumor mill takes off…
The Benner Commerce Park location in Pennsylvania (mentioned in the report) is a no-go however.
With as much negative attention as Pennsylvania receives for its antiquated liquor laws, it is a hotbed of activity for regional breweries.
As Curtin points out, “Given that Pennsylvania already has Yuengling and a major Boston Beer plant in the state, the addition of SN would mean that four, five and six of the top 50 breweries in the nation would be making beer in our home state.”
Wherever Sierra Nevada lands, it will be the best logistical fit for them.
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Photo Credit: Buy the ticket, take the ride. (Creative Commons)
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BLACKSBURG, VA!
Come on, Sierra Nevada! We are ready to welcome you with open arms and some thirsty tastebuds!
I vote for Blacksburg. Let’s make this happen.
You wouldn’t regret coming to Blacksburg. GREAT place!!!
BLACKSBURGG!!!! love sierra nevada and love blacksburg!! make it happen guys
Come to Blacksburg!
From the golden Sierra Nevadas to the blue ridge Appalachians – Chico, CA to BLACKSBURG, VA let’s go!
Another vote for Blacksburg, VA!!
Blacksburg!!!!!!!!
Come to Blacksburg!!!!!! We want you here!
Blacksburg…it just makes sense to me (as a Hokie). VT offers several top of the line agriculture, biology, business and engineer programs that would provide Sierra with a wealth of collaboration opportunities. Couple that a thirsty fan base, growing community, and inexpensive land…I miss the decision to be made here!
Looks like Hokie Nation is checking in! Blacksburg would be a great fit for Sierra Nevada. Land is cheap, the college would provide excellent collaboration (and a good potential job base), land is cheap and it’s a pretty central location as a transportation hub to hit most of the eastern and much of the central US.
Blacksburg is a dump. Go to a real city.
Blacksburg would be a great spot and Sierra Nevada would be welcomed with open arms and empty pints! I bet it all comes down to the Montgomery County Intermodel exchange actually being built. Having such a truck-to-rail transport hub close by would seemingly save a company like SN a fair amount of distribution cost.
The only problem with Blacksburg is that if they come here, the rest of the east coast won’t get any of the beer! Still I think they should come here.
Heck ya Sierra Nevada to roost in Blacksburg would be a great choice!
Blacksburg or anywhere in the New River Valley would be a good fit: close to major highways (unlike State College PA), growing craft beer community, EXCELLENT mountain water, access to both Southern Markets like Charlotte and Atlanta AND East Coast markets like DC, NY, Baltimore, etc.
Available educated non-union labor force, cheap electricity.
I’ll toast to Blacksburg!
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The Lehigh Valley would be perfect. Great distribution. Less than 2 Hours to NYC and 1 hour to Phila. State Colege. No!!!!!
Too late. They picked an area south of Asheville, North Carolina.