Norfolk Brewery Wins Small Business of the Year Award

COVA Brewing Company overcomes industry challenges to thrive in East Ocean View neighborhood

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A high-end studio still life photograph featuring a polished copper beer tap handle, a glass beer stein, and a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans, all arranged elegantly on a clean, matte black background with dramatic lighting and shadows to convey the premium quality and craftsmanship of COVA Brewing Company's products.COVA Brewing Company's award-winning beer and coffee offerings reflect the premium quality and community-focused vision that has driven the Norfolk brewery's success.Norfolk Today

COVA Brewing Company, a Norfolk brewery that opened in 2020, has been named the Hampton Roads Chamber's Norfolk Small Business of the Year. The award comes as the brewery industry has seen a number of high-profile closures across the region and nationwide. COVA's owners credit their success to award-winning beer and a unique concept that combines a brewery and coffee shop.

Why it matters

The award for COVA Brewing highlights the resilience of small businesses, especially in the challenging brewery industry. While many breweries have closed, COVA has managed to thrive by offering a unique experience and engaging with its local community in East Ocean View. The award also showcases the continued growth and evolution of Norfolk's small business landscape.

The details

COVA Brewing Company opened in 2020 in the East Ocean View neighborhood of Norfolk, combining a craft brewery and coffee shop. The business was founded by two Ocean View couples - Scott and Susan Bateman, and Phil and Karla Smith - who had complementary ideas for a brewery and coffee shop. Despite the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, COVA has seen success and growth, expanding its outdoor seating and beer garden. The brewery's award-winning beers and community-focused approach have helped it stand out as the industry faces nationwide contractions, with several Norfolk breweries closing in recent years.

  • COVA Brewing Company opened in 2020.
  • The Hampton Roads Chamber named COVA the Norfolk Small Business of the Year in 2026.
  • Last year, Norfolk International Airport announced COVA would open a location in the Departures Terminal as part of the airport's concessions program revamp.

The players

COVA Brewing Company

A Norfolk brewery that opened in 2020, combining a craft brewery and coffee shop. The business was founded by two Ocean View couples and has seen success and growth despite industry challenges.

Scott Bateman

Co-owner of COVA Brewing Company.

Karla Smith

Co-owner of COVA Brewing Company.

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What they’re saying

“We're just thrilled and humbled by the selection”

— Scott Bateman, Co-owner, COVA Brewing Company

“We love this area of Ocean View and we feel like we wanted to bring something really special and involve the community. They have a place to come”

— Karla Smith, Co-owner, COVA Brewing Company

What’s next

COVA Brewing Company is expected to expand its presence beyond its East Ocean View location, with plans to open a new outpost at the Norfolk International Airport as part of the airport's revamped concessions program.

The takeaway

COVA Brewing Company's success as the Norfolk Small Business of the Year demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of small businesses, even in the face of industry-wide challenges. The brewery's unique concept and community-focused approach have allowed it to thrive where others have struggled, setting an example for other small businesses in the region.