Revelation Craft Brewing plans to purchase 16 Mile site, add restaurant, more brews

Rehoboth-area Revelation Craft Brewing Company announced plans Friday to purchase the site of the former 16 Mile Brewing Co. in Georgetown. 

Revelation President and Brewmaster Patrick Staggs said the company is looking to open its upcoming Georgetown location in the spring. Staggs said a kitchen space for a restaurant and an outdoor seating area will be added.

"This was a landmark for the people around there," Staggs said of 16 Mile. "We're hoping to come back in with something even better that the community is going to huddle around."

The announcement comes two months after 16 Mile unexpectedly closed its doors. 

"We were in the same boat as everyone else," Staggs said of the shutdown. "We were in shock at how quickly it was announced."

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Staggs initially contacted 16 Mile owner Brett McCrea to look at just purchasing brewing equipment. But Staggs said once they met with McCrea and reviewed the site, he realized it would be the perfect place to expand the Rehoboth brewery.

"We're growing like crazy," he said, adding that the original location will remain. "We want to continue growing. Rehoboth is our home, but out there gives us the opportunity we need." 

The purchasing agreement is under contract. Revelation is one renovation and federal license away from opening in Georgetown, and the company should be able to occupy the site by January for the revamp. 

Staggs said Revelation may also open a location in Middletown in the future. 

Added Staggs in a statement: "The response to our beers here at the beach and beyond has blown us away and the growth has surpassed all expectations. We are proud of the experience and variety we offer. In order to continue to deliver on the high standards we have set and reach our goals, we need the right type of capacity. This opportunity in Georgetown is absolutely the right place for the right time."

Revelation is located just off the Junction and Breakwater Trail. 

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