Situated at Virginia Beach Oceanfront, The Bunker Brewpub stands as a testament to veteran entrepreneurship, creative brewing, and community spirit. This lively establishment has quickly become a local favorite, offering a unique combination of southern coastal cuisine, small-batch craft beer, and an intimate live music venue. Founded by military veterans with a passion for brewing and hospitality, The Bunker provides both residents and visitors a welcoming space to enjoy quality food, innovative beverages, and exceptional entertainment.
The Bunker Brewpub: Army Veterans’ New Oceanfront Venture
When Army veterans Neil McCanon and Thomas Wilder opened Young Veterans Brewing Company in 2013, they started a journey fueled by passion and camaraderie. After five successful years crafting over 60 different beers, the duo identified an opportunity to expand their vision beyond brewing. Joining forces with partner Chris Holyfield, they set their sights on creating something remarkable at Virginia Beach Oceanfront—a venue that would combine their brewing expertise with culinary and musical elements.
The Bunker represents the natural evolution of these veterans’ entrepreneurial spirit. Building upon the foundation established with Young Veterans Brewing Company, McCanon and Wilder have translated their military precision and attention to detail into the hospitality industry. Their transition from a standalone brewery to a full-service brewpub demonstrates their commitment to growth and innovation while maintaining the core values that made their initial venture successful. The partnership with Holyfield brought additional expertise, allowing them to realize their collective vision of a multifaceted entertainment destination.
Crafting a Unique Dining and Entertainment Experience
The Bunker has distinguished itself through a thoughtfully curated approach to hospitality. Their southern coastal cuisine delivers comfort food with an oceanfront flair, featuring crowd favorites like the popular Virginia Beach Hot Chicken Sandwich that locals rave about. Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy pasta dishes and fresh crab cakes, while burger aficionados find their cravings satisfied with handcrafted options. Every dish reflects the founders’ commitment to quality and their desire to create a menu that resonates with both locals and tourists seeking authentic Virginia Beach flavors.
Beyond exceptional dining, The Bunker offers an immersive entertainment experience centered around craft beer and live music. Their small-batch brewhouse serves as a laboratory where the veteran brewers experiment with innovative ingredients and techniques, continuously expanding their impressive repertoire of craft beers. Meanwhile, the venue’s intimate concert space has earned a reputation for hosting both local talents and national touring acts. The thoughtfully designed space brings audiences remarkably close to performers—close enough to “read the brand name on the drummer’s sticks”—creating memorable musical experiences that complement the establishment’s outstanding food and beverage offerings.
