By Jeff Maisey 

1960s pop star Petula Clark had a hit with her song “Downtown,” which featured the chorus “So go downtown/Things will be great when you're downtown/No finer place for sure, downtown/Everything’s waiting for you.” 

Awaiting independent craft beer lovers in Downtown Roanoke is the new satellite location of Parkway Brewing Company.  

In 2012, Parkway opened its headquarters in nearby Salem. The award-winning brewery became known for its Get Bent Mountain IPA.  

Parkway will join the vibrant dining and beverage scene on Campbell Avenue with nearby neighbors Olde Salem Brewing Co. and Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen with Big Lick and Golden Cactus just down the road. 

Parkway Roanoke is expected to open by August 1. It has been posting announcements on social media and introducing new staff like Renee Taylor (pictured), their Downtown Roanoke Taproom Manager.    

Legend Brown Lives On 

Legend Brown Ale, once considered the most beloved and recognizable independently crafted beer made in Virginia, is getting a new lease on life. 

With a recently unveiled strategic partnership between Legend Brewing Company and Richmond giant Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Hardywood will take full control over the iconic brand’s production, distribution, and wholesale sales. The liquid will be brewed at Hardywood’s state-of-the-art facility at West Creek.  

Ironically, when Hardywood was founded in 2011, Legend generously stepped up to help brew Hardywood's very first commercial production batch of Hardywood Singel. Now, Hardywood returns the favor by producing Legend Brown Ale.  

Contract brewing is a win-win for many large-scale beer production facilities such as New Realm Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach and smaller operations needing a boost for one or two flagship success stories.  

Legend Brewing Company will continue to operate its pub with that famous skyline view, though encroaching condos are creeping into the picture.   

Murphy & Rude Merges South 

Murphy & Rude, Virginia’s only maltster, announced it is merging operations with Carolina Malt House on the outskirts of the small, rural town of Cleveland, NC.   

“I could not be happier with the partnership we were able to architect with the superb team at Carolina Malt House,” said Jeff Bloem in a prepared statement. Bloem is the founder and head maltster of Murphy & Rude Malting Co. “While our brand quality, industry reputation, and tailored customer experience has always been a strong point for us; our ability to scale, expand our customer reach, and offer more competitive pricing has proven difficult over the last two years in the face of continuous economic and business headwinds. Given the correction market currently facing craft beer and spirits, we believe we are in a much better position working collaboratively than continuing to go-it-alone. My hope is that the efficiencies gained from a dually beneficial partnership like this will lift all boats and prove to be the innovative business structure that lights the path forward.”