Brothers Chris and Phil Ray have recently found themselves at the center of it all. As the owners of the newly opened Center of the Universe Brewing Company, the duo has morphed their hobby into one of the latest in a string of quality, craft breweries opening in Greater Richmond.

Located in Ashland, which is often referred to as “The Center of the Universe” by its residents, the new brewery offers an assortment of ales made from a traditional, all-natural method of brewing. Housed in the former Herald-Progress newspaper building, the 12,000-square-foot brewery offers a tasting room to sample Ray Ray’s Pale, Pocahoptas IPA, Main Street Virginia Ale, COTU Kolsch, and more.

Head brewer, Mike Killelea, is part of the growing family of brewers who has effectively supported the emerging craft beer scene throughout RVA in recent years. Killelea, founder of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, has also helped work with legislators and the community to help the industry grow.

The Ray brothers, one of whom was a Major League baseball pitcher, are partnering with a hop farm in Hanover County for ingredients. At a recent opening, beer fans from all over Greater Richmond lined up to toast the launch of a local business with a clear focus on community, sustainability, and good brew.

Article from Issue #18