HAMPTON, Va. - It's been awhile since Sly Clyde Ciderworks used its taproom as envisioned.
The space, set in the home of co-owner Tim Smith's great-grandfather, is more of a store right now, offering six-packs of the hard cider that made Sly Clyde famous and some merchandise.
Smith and his brother, Doug, opened the Phoebus original on Mellen Street in 2018. The name...a tribute to their grandfather with the dry sense of humor.
Coronavirus restrictions have hit hard, Smith says.
Revenues are down, altering the fast-growing business' plans for 2020. The focus now is keeping people employed and fortunately regular customers are showing up to support.
"They’re always, ‘we can’t wait for you to re-open, we can’t wait for you to re-open,’ so last week was great, this weekend is going to be great. As long as we can get the weather to cooperate everything else is perfect," said Tim Smith.
Sly Clyde recently opened its large outdoor space and the plan is to open the taproom sometime this week.
Just down the street, Mango Mangeaux: A Simply Panache Bistro, is on the rebound too.
Co-owner Lakesha Brown-Renfro tells News 3 the restaurant, known for its French Creole Neosoul vibe, recently expanded its outdoor seating. The back patio is now joined by a parklet out front marked by the words 'SPREAD LOVE'.
Mango Mangeaux is also ready to start letting customers back inside according to Virginia's Phase Two rules; a chance for people to get the full experience.
Sly Clyde Ciderworks
207 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663
(757) 755-3130
Mango Mangeaux: A Simply Panache Bistro
33 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663
(757) 224-9189
