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More craft beer flows in Virginia Beach

Posted at 6:51 PM, Dec 10, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-10 18:51:51-05

Virginia Beach, Va. (WTKR) - A new small business in Virginia Beach is marrying the concept of drink mixers and craft beer.

Mix It Up opened on November 15 along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and Great Neck Road.

Founder Coleman Ferguson had worked at the ABC store next door for several years and had long thought about opening a business that specializes in mixers for liquor.

He kicked the thought around until a space became available nearby.

"Actually this could be a real idea. I mean let me see how much the rent is at the store that just opened up," Ferguson told NewsChannel 3's Todd Corillo Wednesday.

Then his business partner Amberly Carter saw a report on NewsChannel 3 on August 1: The rise of craft beer in Hampton Roads

"After seeing – actually your story back in August about the rise of craft beer in Hampton Roads kind of started looking more into it and seeing that there really is a high demand for it," Carter said.

So when Mix It Up opened, it was part mixers catering to those leaving the ABC store and part craft beer.

"Craft beer was the latest addition and probably the most popular to the store as an overall concept," Carter said.

"You have this huge population on Shore Drive they want craft beer now they don’t have to drive 30 minutes to get it," Ferguson explained.

Most items in the store are local, including gifts for sale by local artists and the shelves.

It's part of the small business philosophy that Ferguson says had made taking the leap worthwhile.

"A big risk. You’re giving up everything. You’re giving up a job that pays your bills. You’re giving it all up and all your free time you know you’re going to dedicate to the small business. If you see a huge need for something and you think it’s going to work, you’re willing to take risk."

You can learn more about Mix It Up here.