Ornery Beer Co. Closing Fairfax City Brewpub

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Ornery Beer Company will close its Fairfax City brewpub on Sunday, July 26, as the local craft brewery restructures its operations in response to ongoing economic challenges.

Owner Randy Barnette announced the decision in a letter to customers, saying the company is scaling back operations to become a leaner business while continuing to operate its Herndon brewpub and Bristow taproom.

The Fairfax City location at 3950 University Drive has operated for nearly eight years. In his message, Barnette said the business struggled to overcome rising operating costs despite working with the property's owners to address financial challenges.

Company Cites Financial Pressures

"After much consideration and hard work to navigate an ever-changing restaurant and craft beer environment, Ornery will scale back our operations to meet today's market realities and become leaner, so that we may weather these challenging economic and financial times," he wrote.

Barnette said the Fairfax City location "cannot meet its rent and operating expenses," leading to the decision to close the brewpub.

He reflected on the brewery's years in Fairfax City, noting it opened before the COVID-19 pandemic, remained in business through the public health crisis and earned regional and national restaurant and brewery awards during its time in the city.

"My ties to Fairfax City go back to attending George Mason University in the late '80s," he wrote. "I am deeply saddened to be leaving my second home."

Herndon, Bristow Locations To Remain Open

The company said its Herndon brewpub will remain open and continues to perform well. The Bristow taproom also will remain open, although the company plans operational changes there.

As part of the restructuring, Ornery will relocate its Fairfax pilot brewery system to its Bristow brewery and taproom. The company also plans to reduce its brewing capacity, sell larger production brewing and packaging equipment, reduce its leased space and focus on operating as a more locally oriented community brewery and taproom.

Barnette said he believes the changes will strengthen the company for the long term and position it for future growth opportunities and partnerships.

The Fairfax City brewpub's final day of business is scheduled for Sunday, July 26.

Also See ...

• Ornery Beer Co. Features $5 For First Beer On Restaurant Week Menus
• Ornery Beer Company Wins 2 Medals In 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup
• Fairfax City Businesses Adapt During Coronavirus Outbreak

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