Beervana, notoriously known for burgers and beers, is located in Hidenwood Shopping Center beside the local Food Lion. Patrons who visit Beervana are met with a low-key college bar-like atmosphere, with a self-pour beer wall that gives the location a modern twist.
Mike Butchel has owned Beervana for three years. He and his wife Denise selected this location specifically because of Christopher Newport University, in order to test the beer wall concept with a college nearby.
“We would love to find a way to be more involved with the student population, because our whole business model was predicated on a percentage of our revenue coming from student populations. In the beginning it was there, but it is not right now,” Butchel said. Similar to many small business owners, Beervana is still in search of their resurgence post COVID-19.
Butchel walked through the process of the unique beer wall system, which entails verifying your ID and providing a payment upfront for a pour card, allowing you to have access to the beer wall. The tabs are operated by the touch screen above and provide information on your drink of choice.
“It’s a good way to test if you don’t really know [what to get], especially if you’re a new drinker [because] you can find what you really like,” Butchel said.
On Thursday Feb. 22, Beervana hosted the launch of Tradition Brewing Company’s Captain’s lager. Seniors Emily McGovern and Sinclair Jenks attended the event and shared some of their thoughts on the establishment’s atmosphere and quality.
Jenks expressed her praise for the uniqueness of the self pour system, mentioning how it eliminates the hassle and pressure of ordering at a bar, coupled with the ease of finding a drink you can enjoy. She also elaborated on the many comforts of the establishment stemming from the location to the staff.
“[Butchel] seems to really care and want CNU students here… Which I think is really awesome. It’s very inviting [and] welcoming,” said Jenks.
Mcgovern, a first time patron of Beervana, shared her hesitation to come because she is not a fan of beer.
“There’s honestly something here for everybody,” said Mcgovern. “You can have something that you enjoy, have something delicious to eat and just really have a good time with your friends.”
Butchel continued to elaborate on the types of beverages the beer wall is stocked with. As a local business, he chooses to not carry mainstream beers, and prides himself on the selection of lagers, IPA’s and various local craft beverages.
Butchel said the beer wall concept has been around for seven or eight years. After he saw another owner developing it in Richmond, he did his research on how he could purchase the system and bring it to life in the area.
“We’re the only one of these types of systems in the Hampton Roads [area]… and that’s why we need the love from people [in the area] to understand what we do,” said Butchel.
In addition to the self pour beer wall, Butchel continued to express his desire for the restaurant to be enjoyed by all students.
“The beer release was a perfect example of how to try and bring more of that connection in,” he said.
Throughout the year, Beervana hosts events and participates in promotions such as the CNU senior glass, in which Beervana gives seniors with the Class Glass and Senior Card 15% off Sundays and Wednesdays.
Butchel fell in love with the CNU culture and expressed his support for the students and community as a whole. Every year he attends CNU’s Newport News fair to promote his business. He and his wife were invited and attended the inauguration of President Kelly in August 2023. They also frequent sporting events and enjoy the presence of the university as a whole.
“I would love for people to recognize we’re not just beer and that’s what we need to tell the student population…The food is outstanding, and you can come in here under 21 and have food,” Butchel said.
