While issues are still being worked out between the bank as well as the Small Business Administration, not only has an offer been made for land at Charles Pointe for a new locally owned restaurant with a familiar name, but the group planning on opening shop has filed for a grant from the City of Bridgeport to assist.

 

Information on the planned restaurant came up during this past week’s Bridgeport Development Authority meeting. At the session, the body was asked to consider a request for a grant for Mountain State Brewing Company.

 

The business, which many know from Morgantown, also has a location in Deep Creek, Maryland. The restaurant actually does its own beer and has its brewery in Tucker County.

 

“The plan is that we will build at Charles Pointe with a restaurant that will closely resemble the Morgantown establishment,” said Chad Bartlett, the general manager of Mountain State Brewing.

 

While Bartlett emphasized the deal isn’t done, he said the fact they sought a development grant and are hoping to close with the bank and handle final issues with the SBA soon. And if – and when – that happens, Bartlett said ground will be broken soon.

 

“As soon as we get the greenlight we’d like to start. If it happens, you’re probably looking at opening next summer,” said Bartlett. “The hope is to break ground in November, but it’s all unknown until we get everything in order.”

 

The process is a seven-figure project. Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman said during the meeting, and Bartlett confirmed, that the project should be in the range of and exceed $2 million.

 

For those concerned about it being a “brewery” it’s likely unfounded. While Mountain State Brewery offers its own beers and plenty of other craft beers from across West Virginia, Bartlett said the restaurant has become family oriented.

 

“I don’t know if that was originally intended, but that’s where we’re at. Our food to alcohol sales are 80 to 20 percent. It’s not even close,” said Bartlett. “We’re a full service family restaurant that features games and plenty of fun things for kids to do.”

 

They also offer plenty of good food options. Many that have been to their other two locations know the eatery’s specialty is their wood-fired pizza. They also had a wide selection of sandwiches, salads and appetizers.

 

“We will have no fryers in the building,” said Bartlett.

 

The plans are for an 8,000 square foot building. He said, based on it being similar in size and design as the Morgantown location, that the number of employees could be at 63 or higher.

 

So why Bridgeport for the third location? Bartlett said it was an easy area to determine to allow for the business to grown.

 

“Personally, I like Bridgeport and I like the market. I’ve watched it grow and after spending 10 year in Baltimore and coming back you can see that growth and you can see it’s one of the nicer places in North Central West Virginia,” said Bartlett. “The region has shown a lot of success if you have a quality product. You look at the success of (Buffalo Wild Wings) and Primanti (Brothers) along that corridor and that’s a good starting point. We actually were looking this area a few years ago, but now we’re read to pull it and get started.”

 

The location at Charles Pointe would be closer to the Fairmont Federal Credit Union location. Bartlett said it will sit back from – and above – the roadway with views overlooking the landscape. He said the business will offer what he believes will be the “area’s nicest outside dining” option if the project moves ahead as planned.

 

Spellman said this is potentially good news for Charles Pointe, Bridgeport and the region.

 

“What’s nice to see is the nice mix of restaurants that are coming in and this is a unique restaurant in that it’s a brew pub, but it’s a family style restaurant,” said Spellman. “As this is likely coming on line, you’re also seeing existing restaurants investing substantial dollars in renovations; some in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. That tells you that everyone is doing well enough to re-invest and remain part of the local business community.”

 

The BDA moved the request for the economic development grant forward for approval by City Council. Council can approve up to $50,000 for the project. The grant is covered through business and occupation taxes created by the project. It will likely be on the Sept. 12 meeting of Council.

 

City Manager Kim Haws said grants of this nature have to prove to be beneficial before being awarded by Council.

 

“Council will have to ask itself if this grant will make a difference. What you can say for sure is this is a substantial project that is being considered,” said Haws.

 

Editor's Note: Top two photos show some of the items offered at the Morgantown location, while the Mountain State Brewing Company logo is shown below. Photos courtesy of business's Facebook page.