HAMPTON — While The Oozlefinch Craft Brewery has only been around for about two years, its success has made them a popular small business within the community.
The brewery opened on Sept. 3, 2016 by owner Russel Tinsley, according to the brewery’s website.
He had dreamed of owning a brewery since 2010 and wanted his business to be a family friendly place for people to drink beer.
Taproom and events manager Michele Hanson said the brewery loves working with the community and participating at community events.
Tinsley is a retired Newport News Police detective and has always been involved in the community.
Oozlefinch’s main community interactions come from the food trucks and live bands that the business works with.
Hanson sees the food truck partnerships as mutual business relationships, there is no fee for a food truck to come and do business with the brewery and Hanson likes having the variety of different foods the trucks offer.
She said food trucks are always looking to come to the brewery because the location is so advantageous.
Oozlefinch Brewery is located on Fort Monroe, right along the water.
Drinking a beer while looking over the water makes life seem all right, Hanson, said.
In addition to the food trucks there are the live bands that like to come play at the brewery.
Hanson tries to book blues-oriented bands so that the music will appeal to everyone.
She said it is a big attraction in the summer time.
Oozlefinch doesn’t just bring in food trucks and musicians from the community, the brewery also works with organizations such as Dogs on Deployment and and the Animal Aid Society.
The brewery have hosted kick-off events for the community and are always looking for ways to get involved.
Hanson said the community loves having Oozlefinch host because they know the whole family will be invited.
The business allows both dogs and kids – there are toys for the kids and dogs of all kinds are welcome, as long as they are leashed.
To learn about what Oozlefinch Brewery has been up to, visit its website or Facebook page.
