Businesses allege they are entitled to payment from Armed Forces Brewing Company
A brewery located in Norfolk may be facing legal challenges from individuals alleging that they are owed money by the establishment. Matt Miles, a hop grower based in Wisconsin, claims he provided over $2,300 worth of hops to the Armed Forces Brewing Company’s Norfolk branch in January but has not received payment for his delivery. Expressing disappointment over the situation, Miles revealed that he had been previously compensated for a previous shipment to the brewery. As a provider of hops and a Marine Corps veteran, Miles had initially reached out to the company with enthusiasm due to their shared values.
The controversy surrounding Armed Forces Brewing Company escalated when the CEO announced plans to relocate the brewery out of Norfolk due to what was described as the influence of a “woke mob”. This decision is said to be linked to criticism from local sources over a company executive’s social media comments criticizing the Navy’s use of a drag queen for recruitment purposes. Amidst the brewing company’s planned departure, Miles expressed concerns over the financial impact of not receiving payment from the brewery, prompting him to consider exploring legal action.
Vernon Clifton, President and CEO of Freelance Security, LLC, also raised issues about non-payment from Armed Forces Brewing Company. While acknowledging that the situation presented challenges, Clifton reiterated his commitment to maintaining a positive working relationship with the company despite the payment issues encountered. The Norfolk Treasurer’s Office served a notice on the brewery’s premises indicating pending levies or sales of company property in Virginia to cover outstanding taxes, with online records revealing significant sums owed in real estate taxes by the brewery. An SEC filing disclosed substantial financial losses incurred by the company prior to its Norfolk launch.
Efforts to seek comments from the brewing company’s CEO regarding the situation were unfruitful as of the latest update, highlighting the lack of clarity surrounding the brewery’s relocation plans. Armed Forces Brewing Company has chosen not to disclose details regarding the new location or timeline for the move, opting to ensure that it relocates beyond the state’s borders. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the company’s future, impacted individuals and organizations are left grappling with the fallout of financial grievances and unresolved payment disputes.
