Norfolk Brewery Thrives Despite Industry-Wide Closures

When most breweries are shutting their doors, one Norfolk business is pouring success.

COVA Brewing Company in East Ocean View just earned the Hampton Roads Chamber's Norfolk Small Business of the Year award. The honor comes as the craft beer industry faces its toughest stretch in years, with 434 brewery closures across America in 2025 alone.

The brewery's origin story reads like a small business fairy tale. In 2020, two Ocean View couples met through mutual friends and discovered they had complementary visions. Scott and Susan Bateman wanted to open a brewery, while Phil and Karla Smith dreamed of a coffee shop.

"So we combined the ideas," Smith told News 3. They transformed a former garage on Shore Drive into a hybrid space offering craft beer and specialty coffee under one roof.

Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic tested their resolve. The early months were so lean that the owners' children worked without guaranteed paychecks. But the couples believed in their neighborhood and pushed forward.

Their patience paid off. COVA has since expanded with enhanced outdoor seating, temporary tents extending the main building, and a newly turfed beer garden complete with playground equipment. More upgrades are coming soon.

The timing of their success makes it even sweeter. Norfolk lost three breweries in 2025 alone: Armed Forces Brewing, Smartmouth's Chelsea location, and Bold Mariner. Nationally, craft beer volume dropped five percent in the first half of last year, following a four percent decline in 2024.

The Bright Side

COVA's owners credit two factors for bucking the trend. Their beers have won awards, proving quality still matters. But the real differentiator is their dual-concept model generating revenue from morning coffee drinkers and evening beer enthusiasts.

"We're always looking at what should we be doing, what's next," Smith explained. "We're always adding different products and different things to keep up with the times."

The recognition keeps growing. Norfolk International Airport selected COVA as one of the local brands for its revamped concessions program in the Departures Terminal. Soon, travelers will sip their award-winning brews before takeoff.

Co-owner Scott Bateman remains humble about their achievements. "God is good and we have had great success because our customers appreciate what we offer here," he said. "We strive every day to make sure our customers have a great experience."

The Chamber will present the official award at a ceremony in May, celebrating a business that found opportunity where others saw obstacles.