Afterglow Brewing is preparing to grow its footprint in Norfolk, with plans for a second taproom and production site in the city's Ocean View neighborhood.
Owner Josh Evans announced that the brewery has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the former Bold Mariner building on East Ocean View Avenue. The deal would give the brewery a new home on the opposite side of the city from its original Lamberts Point location, allowing beer drinkers to visit Afterglow in both parts of Norfolk.
Evans said the Ocean View property had not been on the company's radar, but it turned out to be the right opportunity to expand and invest in the brewery's future. He said owning the building will provide long-term stability and the freedom to grow, while preserving much of what customers appreciate about the original Afterglow.
The new location is planned to include several features beyond the current setup. Evans said the space will house a full kitchen serving food, an expanded brewing facility where the team will produce its original beer, a selection of wines, and a larger tasting room.
The expansion is expected to increase the brewery's overall beer production and help it reach more customers through distribution. Evans said the goal is to keep building Afterglow into a staple of the Norfolk community.
"From day one, Afterglow has been about more than just great beer. It's about bringing people together, building relationships, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome," Evans said in announcing the plans.
"The support we've received from this community has allowed us to grow beyond anything we originally imagined. Opening a second location isn't just a milestone for us; it's a reflection of the people who have supported us along the way," he continued.
"We're still glowing because of people like you, and we can't wait to bring that same energy, community, and great beer to Ocean View," Evans added.
If everything goes according to plan, Evans said the brewery is aiming to open the Ocean View location in the first quarter of 2027. That timeline depends on renovations and required approvals.
Afterglow's current brewery operates in the Lamberts Point area of Norfolk. The addition of a second location in Ocean View would mark the company's first expansion since it was founded.
