When (and if) New Belgium moves to Asheville, what will impact be?

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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I’m tired of the all the rumors about New Belgium Brewing planning to build its East Coast brewery here in Asheville. I’ve heard so many, for so long, and delivered with such certainty, that I’m just going to start assuming it will happen. I know what people saw about assuming anything. But it’s time to advance the conversation. If New Belgium picks Philadelphia over us – which is what the choice is down to – then so be it. For now, though, I’m just going to take for granted that Beer City USA aka Asheville wins again.

So let’s talk impact. Let’s say New Belgium does land in the River Arts District (again, that’s the rumor). Let’s say that yes, New Belgium becomes the second big crafter brewer, after Sierra Nevada, to choose to locate its East Coast Brewing operation in Western North Carolina. How will that affect the RAD? The beer scene? Beer tourism and our status as a beer mecca?

There’s no doubt having a multi-million development land in the River Arts District would be a giant, and long overdue, catalyst for riverside development. Other cities have done great jobs leveraging their waterfronts as destinations for tourists, outdoors lovers and merchants. Here in Asheville, our development of the waterfront has languished, despite the amazing efforts of RiverLink and others to clean up the area, establish greenways and lure new merchants. Having New Belgium build on the river would lend real weight, and spur, efforts to keep growing that area.

In terms of the beer scene, having both Sierra Nevada and New Belgium breweries here would be, as Tony Kiss aka the Beer Guy says, would be like Asheville landing not one, but two, major league franchises. It would simply take Asheville and WNC to a new level of awareness in terms of our already amazing local craft brewing scene. We could expect more big beer events, more beer tourists, more attention to what our homegrown brewers are doing. I think it would be positive all around.

While we wait for New Belgium to make an official decision on where it will locate its new brewery, let’s consider the impacts. How else might it help/hurt Beer City USA?

Image link for New Belgium logo.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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10 Comments

  1. Martin Anderson April 7, 2012

    A good opportunity for economic growth and increasing the examples of sustainably run businesses. Let us also remember to gauge the impact on our local, “native” microbreweries. Will this benefit them overall too? Or will it make it harder for them to compete?

    Reply
  2. roo April 4, 2012

    riverlink is such a joke.

    Reply
  3. Bumdidy April 4, 2012

    The beer economy is surging in Asheville, due to its water and vibe. Now, let’s not allow Raleigh to take our water system away from us. A lot of our State resents our area for its diversity in people, ideas and economy.

    Reply
  4. Michelle Smith April 3, 2012

    New Belgium is a great fit for Asheville because their leadership in responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices will add clout for a similar standards as more economically sustainable partnerships are pursued.

    Reply
  5. AOD March 15, 2012

    NB will continue to drive tourism in our economy that survives on tourism money. It’s a beautiful thing for Asheville.

    Reply
  6. Archiham04 March 13, 2012

    Having a giant manufacturing facility would be a great boost, but everyone needs to keep in mind that it is a MANUFACTURING facility, not a cool tourist/pedestrian hangout. All of the businesses, tourists, art galleries, bikers, hikers, walkers and kayakers that have gotten used to this sleepy little corner of town are going to have to be tolerant of increased tractor trailer traffic, pollution, and the heavy equipment.

    Reply
    1. Ashevillain March 13, 2012

      LOL…a little dramatic don’t you think?

      As far as manufacturing facilities go a brewery is far from “giant.” Also, I’m pretty certain that it WILL be a tourist hangout as pretty much every brewery I’ve ever seen offers tours/tastings.

      Reply
    2. Guest April 4, 2012

      Have you ever been to NBB in Colorado? It’s a beautiful taproom and facility that has tourists lining-up before the doors open and is packed all day, waiting on tours and to experience their beers. You’re wrong that it will be a giant ugly building.

      Reply
  7. Thirsty March 13, 2012

    More urinals!

    Reply
  8. Ashevillain March 12, 2012

    Once again, is there any proofreading going on here?

    Reply

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