Henrico Small Business Spotlight: WayGone Brewery

(Courtesy WayGone Brewery)

From gathering with friends and family in the backyard to creating a space for people to become friends and family, WayGone Brewery is a place not only to find hand-crafted beers but to create memories.

Richard and Nicole Myers and Tim and Nancy Powell, the brains behind WayGone Brewery, have transformed a backyard passion project into a thriving community staple, spreading the idea that friends, family, and beer are one of many ways to bring people together. WayGone Brewery stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of camaraderie.

What started as a casual hobby quickly gained momentum, fueled by a loyal following since 2016.

“My backyard was where it all began,” recounted Richard Myers. “We home-brewed with a one barrel brewhouse, in which case we were running anywhere between six and 12 taps and giving it away to the entire neighborhood. That eventually evolved into their friends attending my events, and it just got larger.”

10612 Patterson Avenue, Henrico • waygonebrewery.com

Following such continuous success in comradery and beer, the decision to start brewing in Myers’ shed wasn’t just a matter of convenience; it was born out of necessity.

The need to move the growing community that the Powells and Myerses were building while also being the center of their neighborhood motivated them to set up shop, and after years of searching for vacancies, they decided to establishing their brewery in the Canterbury Shopping Center.

Along with upgrading space and location, the two couples also needed to scale up from a one-barrel to a four-barrel system, which presented its fair share of challenges.

“Our current brew house is a four-barrel brewhouse, and when we came in, we were only brewing on one barrel, ramping up to that specific volume was new to us,” Myers explained. “Scaling our recipes from a one-barrel to a four-barrel [required us] to make sure that we had consistency and the same taste that we have enjoyed for a number of years now.”

WayGone Brewery’s vibe sets it apart from the competition, according to Myers.

“Our goal is to make everyone feel like they’re part of the family. We want everyone to experience our beer and the sense of community we’ve built,” he said. “Ultimately, we’re about community. eing that it’s only eight minutes away [from the neighborhood], a lot of our community has already been to the house, those that are regulars here.”

The real joy for the Myerses and Powells comes through interacting with their customers, both old friends and new ones.

“We’re all about face-to-face connections,” Myers said. “Whether it’s educating patrons on beer styles or catering to specific dietary needs like gluten intolerance, we’re here to create memorable experiences.”

The soft opening in October 2023 marked a significant milestone for WayGone, solidifying its place in the community and further setting the tone for its welcoming atmosphere.

“It was incredible to see familiar faces from my backyard now enjoying our brews in our new location,” said Myers. “It was a testament to the bonds we’ve formed and the sense of belonging we’ve created. We chose Henrico County because it’s our home. We’re committed to serving our neighbors and expanding our footprint in the community.”

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