Chico Brewery Decides Against Tennessee Site

ALCOA, Tenn. -— A Blount County economic development executive says the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has decided against locating a brewery in Alcoa, even after state lawmakers changed a law to entice the venture to East Tennessee.

A spokesman for the Blount Partnership said Wednesday that the Chico-based company notified them that the site in Alcoa is no longer being considered.

Blount Partnership spokesman Jeff Muir said the family-owned brewing company told the partnership that differences from California's climate were a factor in the decision.

As an enticement for the $200 million plant and some 100 jobs, Tennessee lawmakers had passed a measure allowing on-site sales of high-alcohol beer and sampling products at a taproom and restaurant.