Biddle's Brewing to Focus on Community

Mike and Britt Biddle recently bought the former First National Bank building to turn it into a permanent home of Biddle's Brewing.

"We are just super fortunate," Britt said.

The bank building is right beside the current home of the coffee trailer. For that space, Britt explains that they want to use that as a "green space" for food trucks and festivals - "basically a hub for the community."

The Biddles are looking to expand their menus by having more drink choices and "to-go breakfasts," according to Britt. The pastries will be made by Mike's mom, Tammy.

The bank building will allow Biddles to have a drive-through option. The Biddles explained that after the soft launch, projected for June of this year, the drive-through will be opened.

How does one transform the bank building into a coffee shop?

"We want to convert the space to the vibe we have already established," Britt said. "Mike and I have traveled all over the country and the world and we want to bring pieces of those travels here but still giving the hometown feel."

The large space will have tables/chairs with some bar seating and then the other half will be a lounge area.

"We want this to be a just a low commitment place - a place to hang and meet - just fun for the community," Mike added.

The Biddles will also be offering three office spaces for other businesses to rent.

Anyone who knows the Biddles on a personal level knows how passionate they are about their communities. Mike said one of his favorite parts of the trailer is when people are standing in line and they see someone they haven't seen in a while.

He said that with this space, they will be able to give Williamsburg something it hasn't had before.

The Biddles' hometowns are usually the location for their food truck - Williamsburg for Mike, and Loretto for Britt.

"Our hometowns are very important to us," Britt said.

Mike noted the Charles Schwab connection to both of the towns. Schwab built the Williamsburg Hotel and the paper mill and built his mansion in Loretto.

When asked to give advice to future business owners, Britt says "go for it!"

She acknowledges that they didn't know where to start at first. People hear a lot of negatives about the business industry, but Britt says to find something "you're passionate about and give it a try."

"Start small and warrant feedback from the community," Mike said.

The Biddles explained that they couldn't do it all at once, and advised to "know your limitations."

Although the business does come home with them, Britt said it is fun for both of them.

"Look for a problem to solve and build a business around the solution, be a benefit to the community," Mike said.

The Biddles are all about the community and hope this new endeavor will keep things brewing here in Williamsburg.