Where the Good Times Pour
Appomattox’s new home for craft beer, community, and unforgettable nights.
The Story: From Community Roots to Craft Beer
Tom & Hope Adams didn’t set out to start a brewery – they set out to build something bigger: a heartbeat for the community.
For over a decade, they’ve been at the center of some of Appomattox’s most memorable moments. What began in 2013 as a mission to support local nonprofits quickly grew into a legacy of large-scale events that brought people together and put Appomattox on the map. From the annual wine festivals benefiting the Appomattox Historical Society to the monumental 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War – featuring over 10,000 reenactors and drawing more than 40,000 spectators – Tom and Hope proved that when a community comes together, something special happens.
In 2016, they tapped into another local passion and launched the Appomattox Oyster & Seafood Festival, a crowd favorite that quickly became a regional draw. Always ahead of the curve, they were also the first in Virginia to introduce moonshine cocktails and distilled spirits into festival lineups – setting a trend that others would soon follow.
Their work didn’t stop there. In 2023, they continued their commitment to service by producing events supporting the Appomattox County Militia and the Appomattox Community & Disaster Relief organizations – ensuring their efforts always gave back to the people who make this town what it is.
Along the way, their festivals became a gathering place for local wineries and craft breweries – and that’s where everything changed.
It was there they met Derin Foor, owner of Loose Shoe Brewery. Encouraged by Tom and Hope, Derin expanded into Appomattox, opening Loose Shoe Too in 2021. When the brewery faced closure in 2024 due to staffing challenges, Tom and Hope stepped in – not because they had to, but because the community needed it.
Working tirelessly alongside their full-time careers, they revived the space, transforming it into a thriving, welcoming hub once again. They didn’t just keep the doors open – they made it better. More inviting. More alive. More Appomattox.
Then in 2026, the opportunity came full circle.
When Derin offered them the chance to take ownership, Tom and Hope didn’t hesitate. They embraced the vision, the responsibility, and the future.
And so, Laughing Goat Brewery was born.
Named after their own goat, Nikko – caught mid-laugh in a photo that perfectly captured the spirit they wanted to share – Laughing Goat Brewery isn’t just a place to grab a drink. It’s a place to gather. To celebrate. To unwind. To connect.
More Than a Brewery
Laughing Goat Brewery is where the story of Appomattox continues to be written – one pint, one laugh, one unforgettable night at a time.
Cold beer. Warm atmosphere. Real people. Real community.
Whether you’re a local looking for your new go-to spot or a visitor passing through, this is where you’ll want to be.
Welcome to Laughing Goat Brewery – where the good times pour, and the laughter never stops.
What You’ll Find Here
Craft Beer Done Right
From crisp classics to bold experimental brews.
Events & Live Music
Something happening every week.
A True Community Spot
Family-friendly, welcoming, and always lively.
This is Appomattox’s New Favorite Spot
Whether you’re here for a quick pint or a full night out, Laughing Goat Brewery is where stories are made, friendships are built, and good times never run dry.