Local brewery investing in new production equipment, additional staff at its Westchase facility
TAMPA, Fla. – June 12, 2018 – Tampa Bay Brewing Company, one of the longest operating and largest volume breweries in Florida, announced today plans to expand its brewery operation to meet increased demand. The expansion will take place at its production brewery in Westchase and include the hiring of 12 new positions over the next two-to-three years and a capital investment of $700,000 in new production and manufacturing equipment.
The popularity of Tampa Bay Brewing’s award-winning Reef Donkey APA and seasonal offerings has significantly fueled the brewing company’s growth. By June 28, Reef Donkey APA will be available in every Publix Supermarket across the state of Florida. To meet this increase in demand, the owners of Tampa Bay Brewing decided it needed to invest in faster processes and additional equipment, so it’s adding two additional fermenters, a centrifuge, a grain handling system, a new high-speed canning line and an additional keg washer.
“We live Florida and brew Florida. TBBC beers are crafted with the Florida lifestyle in mind to satisfy the thirsty Floridians and visitors alike that have fueled our growth over the last 20 years,” said David Doble, a managing partner of Tampa Bay Brewing Company. “But it’s not just the popularity of craft beer that has contributed to our success, it’s being able to tap into local resources and services like the EDC provides that has supported our ability to expand in our home market.”
Tampa Bay Brewing was founded in 1995 and opened its doors in February 1997, making it one of the Tampa Bay area’s first craft breweries. It produces hop-centric beers such as Reef Donkey APA, Old Elephant Foot IPA, and the newly released Hop Silo Collaborative Series. When the brewers are not focused on hops, they are creating hundreds of fun brews to include fruited sours, Florida weises, and some experimental treatments available the two Tampa Bay Brewing locations.
Tampa Bay Brewing’s original brewpub in Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood, which it still operates, opened long before the craft beer scene was the mainstream industry it is today. In 2015, the company expanded its operation with a second brewpub and production facility in the Westchase area of North Hillsborough County. Tampa Bay Brewing’s beers can also be found at thousands of retailers and establishments throughout Florida.
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation assisted Tampa Bay Brewing with wet zoning for its new property that hosts beer festivals, permitting for its brewery expansion, workforce assistance, and is helping to facilitate connections within areas experiencing population and business growth.
“Tampa Bay Brewing is a flagship brewer of Tampa’s vibrant craft beer scene, and we’re proud of homegrown companies like them,” said Alan F. List, MD, chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center. “Tampa Bay Brewing’s commitment to produce handcrafted beers that complement our climate and honors our lifestyle is commendable, and we are committed to supporting their continued growth.”
With 90 breweries operating in the greater Tampa Bay area, the craft beer industry has not only impacted our region as a destination for visitors, but it has also made a huge economic impact on the region, too. According to the Brewers Association, craft brewing had a $3.07 billion economic impact in Florida in 2017 and was responsible for more than 23,000 jobs with an average wage of $42,200. Tampa also routinely ranks as one of the country’s best cities for craft beer by such outlets as The Daily Meal, Livability.com, Fortune magazine, and Serious Eats.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company joins a growing list of locally headquartered companies that have announced expansions in Hillsborough County, including Beneficial Blends, Greenway Health and DAS Health.
Over the next couple of years, Tampa Bay Brewing will add 12 jobs in various areas, including production, sales, management, and administration. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit http://www.tbbc.beer/jobs for more information about available positions.
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Independent, family-owned and operated, TBBC (Tampa Bay Brewing Co.) is one of the longest operating and largest volume breweries in Florida. Launched in 1995, long before craft beer was the scene it is today, TBBC specializes in brewing expressive, hop-centric ales and lagers, and refreshing fruit-forward sours that complement Florida’s tropical climate and active outdoor lifestyle.
Tampa Bay Brewing’s beers are found at thousands of locations throughout Florida, at its original brewpub in historic Ybor City, and its production brewery in Westchase, which opened in fall of 2015. Both locations feature a constantly rotating tap list of seasonal and limited-production brews and creative, freshly prepared, beer-infused cuisine from an award-winning culinary team.
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing.
The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.