Leesburg Town Council Monday approved de-annexing property that was formerly occupied by Old Leesburg Mill.
This will allow the new owner to apply for a liquor license, allowing for a microbrewery and restaurant.
Steve Snyder, attorney representing Old Leesburg Mill, attended the meeting and requested the property at 100 S. Old Ind. 15 to be de-annexed from the town.
Nick Deeter, former Old Leesburg Mill owner, attended the council’s January meeting to inform the council the business had closed in December, and was available for purchase.
“The only way for the buyer to purchase a liquor license is if the property is in the county, not the town,” Snyder said Monday.
He said there were no more liquor licenses available in the town.
The board approved de-annexation of the mill building and building east of the property.
Stefan King, HopLore Brewing owner, attended the meeting and said plans are to open the brewery and restaurant at the mill site in March. The restaurant where the Old Leesburg Bill was will be called HopLore.
He has been the general manager of Barbee Hotel and Danny’s Sports Bar & Grill for the past two years.
His business partner, Joe Hull, is a biochemist and came up with the idea of the names for the brewery and restaurant. Hop is a plant used to make beer, and Lore is a synonym for science.
“We will do a chef-driven eclectic menu leaning toward smoked meat and barbecue,” King said.
He said the liquor license is a necessity because he would like to offer wine and craft brew in addition to his business’s brew.
“We are not looking at taking business from others in town. We hope to attract people outside of the area,” King said. “We are not looking to be a bar scene and party venue.”
He said on weekends the business will close at midnight and at 10 p.m. during the week.
Council members supported the de-annexation.
“It would be advantageous to have the building back in production,” said Tom Moore, board member.
Board members Doug Jones and Larry Richey also supported the business.
Tyler Haines, Stacy’s restaurant owner, said he supported the microbrewery and restaurant.
“It’s competition, but it will bring people to town,” Haines said.
