With Veterans Day upon us, we’re reflecting upon our bottomless gratitude for the good people who have served in America’s Armed Forces. Thanks to a large military population here in Virginia Beach — and a larger-than-average number of veteran-owned businesses — it’s easy to tip your hat to these selfless individuals. Here’s a quick roundup of our favorite ways to do just that, along with a bit about the freedom fighters behind the counter.
Be Free Craft Ice Cream, Inland
Founded by Chris Fettes, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Be Free Craft Ice Cream serves up handcrafted flavors with fun-loving, pun-forward names like Cookie Commandough and Pointman Pistachio. Fettes’ passion for ice cream making began during his military deployments, when he made batches of the sweet stuff for his bunkmakes.
Black Rifle Coffee Company, Inland
Founded in 2014 by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle Coffee Company strives to help service members successfully transition from the military into entrepreneurship. The company, which has 37 locations nationwide (including one in Virginia Beach and one in Norfolk), provides assistance to Veterans seeking to launch their own businesses. Even coffee snobs can’t snub the Silencer Smooth, a light-medium roast brew with notes of citrus, caramel and milk chocolate.
The Bunker Brewpub, Oceanfront
After five years owning and operating Young Veterans Brewing Company, U.S. Army veterans (and good friends) Neil McCanon and Thomas Wilder joined their buddy Chris Holyfield to bring something just as special to the Oceanfront: The Bunker Brewpub. Here, Southern coastal comfort cuisine — including the legendary Virginia Beach Hot Chicken Sandwich — meets small-batch craft beer alongside up-and-coming music acts in their lively, intimate space.
Firebrew Bar & Grill, Inland
Owner Dean Gonsior served as a Master Chief in the U.S. Navy until 2002. After learning the restaurant ropes as area developers for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Gonsior and his wife Sue opened the popular Firebrew Bar & Grill in 2010 — serving cozy, unexpected pub fare alongside draught beer and craft cocktails. Don’t miss the Maple Scallops and Soft Pretzel appetizers, followed by the Sweet Thai Chili Glazed Salmon.
Froggie’s Smoke & Taphouse, Chesapeake Bay
With a military background that includes a stint in the U.S. Navy SEALs — plus membership in the Navy’s elite parachuting team, the Leap Frogs — Froggie’s Smoke & Taphouse owner Bill Bickel has also earned qualifications as a free-fall and static line Jumpmaster. The restaurant is active in the Hampton Roads military community and supports a variety of non-profits supporting veterans. You can get actual Frog Legs here, if that’s your thing, but we’re bigger fans of the Frog Hog: smoked beef, pastrami and sausage topped with pepper jack on a hoagie.
Sundae Scoop, Inland
Treat yourself to Philip and Sibs Harrell’s unbelievably smooth ice cream at Sundae Scoop, a veteran- and Black-owned business. Originally from Compton, California, Philip served in the U.S. Army; after his discharge, he struggled to find meaning as an Uber and Lyft driver when he had an epiphany. “Everyone who thinks about ice cream, talks about ice cream, they do it with a smile,” he says. Harrell decided to make those smiles his life’s work — and iconic flavors like Virginia Beach Butter Pecan are living proof of his success.
Warriors Taphouse, Inland
This Inland standby is co-owned by veterans and naval legacies: Dave Culler, a retired naval aviator whose father and son were also flyboys; Tony Bird, a former Navy SEAL and member of the Underwater Demolition Team; and Mike Herron, the son of a former Marine. Serving elevated comfort food like Smoked Pork & Cheddar Curd Poutine and Seven Hills Jalapeño Burgers, the organization proudly gives back to local organizations that support the nation’s fallen: combat-wounded veterans and their remarkable families.
Wasserhund Brewing Company, Inland
Craig Lubinski (left) devoted 12 years of his life to the U.S. Army, including four years at West Point, where he reached the rank of Captain. Aaron Holley (right) served as a Lieutenant in the Navy for five years. Their “pet” project, Wasserhund Brewing Company, was to “unleash good times” by blending their love of the beach, dogs and German-style beer in a single amazing place. There are no bad choices here, but we’re especially fond of the Red Rover Amber Ale.
Young Veterans Brewing Company, Inland
Before The Bunker Brewpub, there was Young Veterans. Thomas Wilder (above) is a veteran of the VA Army National Guard, where he served as a Combat Engineer and Equipment Operator for four years, Neil McCanon (not pictured) served three years in the U.S. Army with the 1st Infantry Division before re-enlisting as a Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves for an additional seven years. All of the 60+ craft beers the pair has created are worth a try — but if you’ve only got an afternoon, get the Jet Noise (Double IPA) or New Recruit (Blonde Ale).
Nearby in Norfolk: Bold Mariner Brewing Company
Navy veteran and former SEAL Michael Stacks started Bold Mariner Brewing Company with his wife, Kerrie, as a way to transition out of his military career. “I’d served for 24 years and loved it so much; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” says Stacks. A longtime lover of craft beer, he’d considered a career in brewing even before joining the Navy — and as breweries started popping up everywhere, the dream reemerged. Don’t miss his popular Frogman Lager, a gold medal-winning amber brew lauded for its balanced caramel and bready malt flavors.
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Written by Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
