Foodies react to Bud's buy of craft brewer
Share
Virginia foodies react to the news that one of their own, Nelson-based Devil's Backbone Brewing Company, has been sold to Anheuser-Busch, the world biggest beer company.
Mobile juice bar owner Beth Harley, who lived in Washington state, recalls how brewing giant Miller purchased and then shuttered the historic Olympia brewery.
"They ran it for only a little while and then put it out of business."
However, Daniel Potter, co-owner of a cider company bearing his name, expresses optimism.
"I think it's very positive for Central Virginia-- just as a reflection of the quality and the breadth and the depth of what's going on here."
Brett Wilson, who runs a door-to-door produce business, has some advice for the new owner.
"If Anheuser-Busch is intelligent, they'll leave the recipes and the crafting of the beers alone."
These interviews occurred at Tom Tom, which is Charlottesville's answer to South by Southwest-- and one more sign that big ideas (and big businesses) have landed Central Virginia. For WCVE News, Hawes Spencer in Charlottesville. # IMAGE: Vienna Lager constitutes 60% of Devil's Backbone's beer sales. (photo by Hawes Spencer)