Jocassee Valley Brewing Company opening in Salem

Jocassee Valley Brewing Company and the Oconee Economic Alliance (OEA) announce a new macro brewery and tap room will begin operations this month in the Salem area of Oconee County. This operation will be located at 13412 North Highway 11 and is co-owned by Eddie Martin and Josh Gibson. “Opening a brewery in our area has been a dream of ours for several years. After searching for almost 10 months, we feel like we have found the perfect location. We hope to bring the brewery and craft beer experience to our area by providing a laid back, family atmosphere where folks can enjoy good conversation and good beer. We are excited about the potential of our area and hope we can provide the spark that brings more great things to Northern Oconee County,” said Gibson. The initial opening phase of Jocassee Valley Brewing will include indoor eating space and outdoor listening area for live music, with the second phase of the project being the installation of a two barrel macro brewing system, creating craft beer of various styles. Plans for phase II are set to begin later this year. The indoor-outdoor facility plans to serve premium craft beer, wine, and coffee, craft sodas, light appetizers, as well as host food trucks. With its close proximity to Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee, Jocassee Valley intends to cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, such as lake lovers, cyclists, motorists, hikers, campers, and music lovers, fostering a community brewer spirit that has helped resurrect many areas in other locales. “Jocassee Valley will add a new taste to the outdoor recreation rich area of northern Oconee County. This operation will add to the growing craft brewery scene taking root in Oconee and be a tourism magnet along the Highway 11 corridor,” said Richard K. Blackwell, executive director of the OEA. With intentions to be a community gathering place that services both the local and tourist populations, “Jocassee Valley Brewing looks to bring a special place to Northern Oconee, the kind of place we personally would look for when we travel,” stated co-owner, Eddie Martin. Jocassee Valley aims to be a place that pulls from the heritage of the area, with good values, and a sustainable vision. The company is looking to source materials locally and regionally from the hops and grains to the roasted coffee they will serve. “We look forward to providing a local flavor to all who visit us,” commented Josh Gibson. The five year plan for the tap room, event venue, is to have five to seven permanent full time employees as well as part time employees. Jocassee Valley will begin the hiring process immediately and interested applicants should send resumes to [email protected]. Jocassee Valley will be open starting on May 3, and you can learn more about their operations by visiting them on social media or their website, www.jocasseevalleybrewing.com.