Armed Forces Brewing Company has grand opening after obstacles to get permit
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Armed Forces Brewing Company has officially opened its doors on Saturday, Jan. 27.
The company posted on social media that its grand opening was taking place, and offered the first 250 guests a “swagbag.” The grand opening is scheduled from 11 a.m. to midnight. Their post on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressed gratitude for those who were “showing up and showing out” to the event.
FULL LOT, AND A PACKED HOUSE. 🎉💪🏻
Thank you Armed Forces Brewing Company Family for showing up and showing out. 👊🏼🇺🇸 Your continuous support has led to the success of our Norfolk Taproom. And we are forever grateful for you all!
If you’re not already here, SEE YOU SOON! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/7oXUVHyhpN— ARMED FORCES BREWING COMPANY (@ArmedForcesBC) January 27, 2024
WAVY has been following this story of the company wanting to open in Norfolk since back in December when the company was trying to get approval for a Conditional Use Permit. The company sparked backlash and controversy after one of its owners, Robert O’Neill, allegedly made remarks in a social media post that were deemed “racist” and “homophobic” by critics.
O’Neill is the former U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 member who said he shot and killed Osama Bin Laden. After the Norfolk Planning Commission recommended to the city not to approve the permit in a 4-2 vote, the company’s attorney challenged the legality of denying the permit.
The city ended up voting to grant the Armed Forced Brewing Company the permit despite the commission’s recommendation.
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