New Entertainment Destination Planned for Smith Mountain Lake
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. – A new development called The Black Angus Company is coming to the former Sunken City Brewery site in Hardy, Virginia, led by Jeanna and Christopher Williams.
Inspired by their Nashville trip during CMA Fest, the couple aims to create a vibrant venue that combines food, drinks, shopping, and live entertainment. Jeanna Williams shared, “We wanted to duplicate that and bring that here to the community.” Their development will include:
- A full-service restaurant and bar
- A billiards lounge
- A western-themed retail boutique
- Event space for local music and gatherings
Christopher Williams noted that their Nashville experience was engaging enough to keep them there for hours, leading to the idea of creating a similar atmosphere in Smith Mountain Lake.
Aiming for Year-Round Activity
The Williamses intend for The Black Angus Company to be a year-round destination, catering to both locals and tourists, especially during the offseason when many nearby businesses are closed. Jeanna emphasized the goal of providing continuous activities and entertainment for the community.
Local resident Holly Frye believes the project could attract visitors from beyond Westlake, stating, “I think it’ll be a draw for sure.”
Emphasis on Local Produce
The restaurant will focus on a farm-to-table concept, collaborating with local farms like Circle J Ranch and Wright Brothers Beef to highlight local products. Jeanna mentioned, “We want to feature those in the retail area so that we can have that partnership to grow, support our locals here.”
Economic Growth in Westlake
Franklin County’s Economic Development Director, Danielle Poe, acknowledged Westlake’s ongoing investment and growth, driven by new housing developments and complementary commercial opportunities. She sees The Black Angus Company as a positive contribution to this momentum.
Opening Date
The Williamses are targeting Memorial Day weekend 2027 for the official opening. They plan to continue involving local businesses, farmers, vendors, and artists as they progress.
For more details, visit JCPA Properties. They welcome questions and feedback through their social media channels.
Related: The site of the former Sunken City Brewery is located at 40 Brewery Drive in Hardy.
