After a nearly year-long delay, Bunnyman Brewing opened its second location at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton late last month.
The Fairfax-based brewery, which also operates a location in Burke just south of Royal Lake Park, officially launched its new outpost at 9514 Workhouse Way on June 29, coinciding with the Workhouse Arts Center’s Independence Day fireworks event.
“We opened at noon and had a ton of people show up,” owner and co-founder Sam Gray told FFXnow. “It was a very busy day. We kept up and learned a lot. The area community really represented! It was so fun.”
In 2022, Fairfax County, which owns the 52-acre former Lorton Reformatory site, approved Bunnyman Brewing’s request to lease a 4,700-square-foot space on the property to open a brewery and restaurant. A second former prison building renovated for commercial use by the county remains available for lease.
Gray had expected to open the location last fall, but he noted that the building’s historical character and age led to “unforeseen delays.”
“The historical significance and building characteristics led to some hurdles not expected early in the lease process,” he said.
According to Gray, the new outpost boasts more seating than its Burke counterpart and features a full kitchen with items like flatbreads, paninis, pretzels, and tater tots, though the menu is still being finalized. The owners also plan to brew alcohol at the Lorton location, initially at one-third of its potential capacity.
The name Bunnyman Brewing is inspired by the local legend of the “Bunny Man,” a mysterious (and completely fictional) asylum escapee who left behind a trail of gutted rabbits and humans. Adding to the myth were reported sightings in the 1970s of a person in a white bunny suit who allegedly terrorized residents in the Kings Park West neighborhood.
Given the Workhouse Arts Center’s history as a prison, Gray saw it as the perfect place to set up shop.
“We love this location,” he said. “It fit right into our legend of the Bunnyman. It’s a beautiful building and a great area. Just like Burke, we are hoping to have an awesome neighborhood that is proud to have us be a part of.”
The new brewery, which has 18 different beers and other libations on tap, including ales, lagers, sours, stouts, IPAs, seltzers and sodas, is currently open from noon to 9 or 10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Gray and fellow owner and founder Eric Barrett plan to extend these hours and increase the number of days they are open as they introduce cafe offerings.
“As we up-staff and increase our business hours we will continue to provide a more varied food menu,” Gray said. “We will also introduce wine, cider and slushes to our already extensive drink menu.”
The complex boasts ample parking with over 800 spaces, and the brewery is visible from Old Ox Road, right next to the Workhouse sign.
“Can’t miss us, right in front,” Gray said. “Lots to do and see at the Workhouse area as well.”
