Zoning Appeals Board's Decision Sets Stage for City's First Microbrewery; State Agency OKs Still Required
By Jeff Toquinto on August 04, 2026
Barring a problem at the state level, downtown Bridgeport is about to have its first microbrewery as early as January 2027.
That is the result of a decision made Monday evening by the Bridgeport Zoning Appeals Board to grant a variance to what will be AHD Brewery, or Almost Heaven Desserts Brewery. The variance was granted to James Simon for the special permitted use of selling beer and wine at the Main Street location.
The decision was made after nearly 30 minutes of questions and answers from the Zoning Appeals Board, as well as from Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr. Every member of the board at the meeting – Chairman Meredith McCarthy, Vice Chairman Richard Forren, Ryan Haws, Sam Spatafore, and Andrew Horne – had questions of Simon.
Once the Zoning Board received answers on their questions and Kerr received answers the city’s legal counsel sought, the variance was voted on. And the vote was unanimous in favor of granting it.
Simon, the owner of Almost Heaven Desserts, is the individual who made the request for the variance. He announced during the meeting that it will occupy the second floor of the Peshak & Utt Building that houses Almost Heaven Desserts and Expression Hair Designs. Simon will rent the second floor for the brewery from the building’s owners – Mark and Judy Bonamico, who also were at the meeting and provided input.
Simon plans to begin the buildout for the brewery after Oct. 1. At that time, the lease for a dance company currently leasing the space that will be used will conclude.
The plans, despite clearing a hurdle that would have stopped it, still are not done in the approval process. Although the concept would have ended without the variance, everything is now contingent upon Simon receiving proper licensing from all necessary state agencies, in particular the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. Simon, who has been brewing beer on Wonder Bar Road for several years, believes he will get the approval after already going through the process.
If all works out, the new brewery will be an extension of Almost Heaven Desserts, essentially AHD Brewery at Almost Heaven Desserts. It would allow those eating on the first floor to go to the second floor to eat, work, or even hold meetings there. Similarly, the five craft beers 
and wine (the wine would be purchased as opposed to made) could also be taken down to the limited seating on the first floor. A micro coffee, which is non-alcoholic, would also be served in the brewery.
and wine (the wine would be purchased as opposed to made) could also be taken down to the limited seating on the first floor. A micro coffee, which is non-alcoholic, would also be served in the brewery.
Simon pointed out that the brewery space on the second floor could accommodate roughly 35 individuals, which would help what was described as a lack of seating on the main floor. One section of seating, however, is off limits and that is the outside seating area. The variance requires all consumption of beer and wine be done on premises.
There were other stipulations as well with the granted variance. The only purchased items allowed to be taken outside the building would be growlers and pre-packaged beer. The brewery also must close at 10 p.m., and the variance only applies to Simon as the owner and does not transfer if the business is sold.
Simon was told he has the option to return for other variances he inquired about. That would include keeping the brewery open until midnight, which would also require the restaurant to remain open for the same hours. He could also return to the Zoning Appeals Board for a variance request for the selling of liquor.
The brewing will be done on site at the 100 West Main Street Address as opposed to Wonder Bar Road. Simon told those gathered that while it is listed as a microbrewery, it will be small. He said it is closer to a “pico brewery,” which is an extremely small commercial brewery.
Microbreweries of all sizes are often destination points for those who enjoy craft beer. Simon has pointed to the location on Route 50 as drawing in visitors to the city. Those involved with the brewery will be providing details of what will be inside on their various social media pages if, and when, the project begins to advance.
After the approval, Simon unveiled his new AHD Brewery shirt with his son Wakem. His son will be heading up operations if state approval is granted and the project moves forward.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Richard Forren asking questions of James Simon, while the second photo shows Simon, far left, answering inquiries as Mark and Judy Bonamico look on. In the third photo, Meredith McCarthy gathers information from Simon prior to the BZA's vote. In the bottom photo, Simon is shown with his "AHD Brewery" shirt with his son Wakem.
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