Center of the Universe announces new production facility, taproom in Ashland

Center of the Universe Brewing Company, which recently overhauled its original taproom and production facility on Air Park Road in Ashland, announced this morning it will expand to a second location in historic Downtown Ashland.

The new facility, Origin Beer Lab, will focus on the science of beer brewing and contribute towards the redevelopment of Ashland’s historic Main Street. The brewery broke ground on the new location last month. Located at 106 South Railroad Avenue, the space was formerly home to The Chiffarobe Fine Antiques and Gifts. The brewery expects the spot to open later this fall.

Origin will produce specialty small production brews including sour beers. “One of the reasons we love making beer is experimenting with new flavors and techniques,” said COTU co-founder Philip Ray. “Origin will allow our brewers to explore some innovative and creative brewing without impacting the capacity of our current operation. Our inner nerds are very excited about this project.”

While Origin’s beers will not join COTU’s distribution line up, the approximately 50-seat taproom in a main tourist attraction will add to COTU’s bottom line.

“As an Ashland resident, I have been extremely impressed with The Main Street Association’s progress in revamping downtown Ashland,” said co-founded Chris Ray. “Our goal outside of the practical applications for the brewery, is to assist and build upon Main Street’s progress and bring to light the wonderful area that I call home. My goal is that the residents of Ashland take as much pride in Origin as I do in the town.”

Origin will produce approximately 30 barrels of beer per month. The taproom will include indoor and outdoor seating, merchandise, and availability for packaged beer to go. “We are taking design inspirations from 1950’s mad scientists.”

The new facility follows a line of expansion efforts made by COTU. In February, the brewery increased brewing capacity in order to expand distribution into Northern Virginia. They also added a rotary canning line, the first in Virginia, and went through a complete remodel of their tasting room to increase capacity.

To support all the growth, the Ray brothers tapped Richmond marketing consultant and former restaurateur Sarah Choi as the general manager to oversee taproom operations, private event sales, and marketing. “Sarah’s passion is what drew us to her for this position. Her entrepreneurial spirit she showed while opening Shoryuken Ramen and her generosity and compassion demonstrated through events like RVA Pancake Love make her a perfect addition to our team.”