The CEO of Armed Forces Brewing Co. alleged efforts to derail the business led to the company leaving Norfolk, but financial documents suggest a company with yearslong financial troubles.

Armed Forces Brewing Company will close its Norfolk location in part because of what they called a "toxic environment" and move to a new, "friendlier" area.

The Armed Forces Brewing Company’s tumultuous time in the Mermaid City is coming to an end, as its CEO said Thursday he would close the taproom and brewing facility and move it to another

Armed Forces Brewing Co. in Norfolk moving due to 'toxic environment'

Both the taproom and brewing facility have closed, and the company plans to relocate to “a more pro-small business social and economic climate,” according to CEO Alan Beal.

A controversial local brewery announced it is planning to relocate. Armed Forces Brewing Company (AFBC) opened in Norfolk in 2024. In a statement, the brewery told us it is closing its Norfolk location and "we had chosen Norfolk because of the large military and veteran community