In the small, but historic building of 803 S. Church Street, in Smithfield, are held big memories of the various businesses that have thrived within its walls throughout the years. In this photo, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for the newly opened Red Point Taphouse in Smithfield, Virginia.
The inspiration for Red Point Taphouse began when owners Nick Hess and Derek Joyner met as coaches through the local youth baseball programs. Both having worked in the restaurant industry, they came up with an idea to open another place in town that offered great food and drink while highlighting the history and hometown feel of Smithfield. In the summer of 2020, they brought on a third owner Tim Ryan, who is a long-time homebrewer, and who would champion the brewery aspect of the restaurant.
With all three owners living in Smithfield, it is no surprise that they chose to locate Red Point Taphouse in the town they know and love. The name “Red Point Taphouse” is actually a nod to the “Red Point Service Station” that used to occupy the building in 1929. In the nine decades since, it’s been roughly a dozen businesses, including a general store, antique store, woodworking workshop, dog grooming, barber shop, hair salon and real estate agency. Today, the taphouse boasts an eclectic food menu and a 10-tap bar which includes locally sourced beers and ciders.
“It has really been exciting and humbling to see how much interest and support the people of the community have shown us so far,” said Tim Ryan. “It has been a lot of work to get to this point, but the positive feedback has made the effort worth it. We want to provide a place that delivers local food and drinks of exceptional quality, that is a place where people can relax and enjoy the company of others, and that highlights the history and community feeling of Smithfield.”
Joyner, who grew up in Smithfield, said he’s excited to give back to the community and a town that he loves. “It was the perfect timing in a perfect location,” he said.
Nick Hess, a naval chief warrant officer, and Joyner met as local coaches for their sons’ baseball teams. They realized their shared desire and vision to delve back into restaurant ownership. Ryan, a retired Army colonel, is another local and longtime home brewer who rounded out the trifecta to share his expertise.
A complete renovation — taking the floors and walls to their original bones — was a project the trio worked on during the pandemic. Joyner said they captured pieces of Smithfield by using repurposed barn wood from Pierceville Farm, an old dairy farm.
The establishment includes seven tables, a 10-foot bar made from walnut, the brewery equipment and operations and an open-air deck and patio for additional outside seating. Local musicians from across the 757 provide regular entertainment.
“Everything is homemade and assembled from scratch,” Julie Hess said. “We have a very limited menu and it’s going to change quite often in terms of what’s fresh, seasonal and what the chef feels like preparing … so, it’s not going to be the same experience every time.”
The drink menu includes craft cocktails, wine, house brew beer and a variety on tap from small, local breweries on the Peninsula and Southside.
“We want to provide a place that delivers local food and drinks of exceptional quality, that is a place where people can relax and enjoy the company of others and that highlights the history and community feeling of Smithfield,” Ryan said.
Red Point Taphouse
803 S Church St, Smithfield, VA
(757) 542-4393
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