Capital Ale House owner named Retail Merchants Association 'Retailer of the Year'

One of the founders and partners of Capital Ale House today was named the Retail Merchants Association's 51st Distinguished Retailer of the Year during a ceremony at The Westin Richmond.

Chris Holder was honored for the "substantial community involvement and continual growth" of Capital Ale House during its nearly 15-year existence. During a video presentation at the event, Holder attributed his nomination to "such a great community and such a great staff."

Capital Ale House has five locations in Virginia, including one in Innsbrook, and also operates its most recent venture, called Fest. The company has grown from 40 employees to more than 250 since its inception. Capital Ale House also strives to give back to the community, through donations to local charities and sponsorship of community-oriented events, such as its annual Oktoberfest that draws nearly 10,000 people; the Capital Ale House Cycling Team for MS Society; its provision of boxed lunch donations through RVA CANstruction; and its volunteer efforts for Project VA and the Beer Corps Initiative.

The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award, presented annually since 1966, is designed to honor a local retailer who is a proven leader in his/her company and actively involved in the community.

Other nominees for this year's award were:

• Peter & Sharon Francisco, Lakeside Farmers Market
• Michelle Brumfield, BedCrafters by Michelle
• Lou Gambill, Fraiche
• Chris Holder, Capital Ale House
• Chris Lewis, Conquest Graphics
• Kim & Steve Rosser, Gelati Celesti
• Jeanie Rule, Elements of Carytown
• Sam Stone, Stone’s Office Equipment
• Owen Suter, III, Owen Suter’s Furniture
• Jeff Wells, Fleet Feet Richmond