BREWZ CRAFT BEER BAR SCHEDULED TO OPEN SECOND LOCATION IN BARTRAM PARK, JAX, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
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| Photo by Linda Johnson |
Jacksonville, FL: The second location of Brewz Craft Beer (Brewz The Filling Station) is heading towards its Grand Opening in Bartram Park on Saturday, September 2. The new venue, located at 14866 Old St. Augustine Road at Flagler Center, still had the hum of power tools buzzing around, and the new 47 tap wall was still under wraps, as of August 30 during a site visit, but the new venue is taking shape to be a favorite for craft beer and wine.
Situated in the end unit of the plaza, the bar features a tall ceiling with pendant lighting and windows on the front and side for more natural light. Four large TV screens hang over the bar, with another four along the wall.
The original Brewz, located on Atlantic Blvd. in Atlantic Beach, celebrated its first anniversary on April 8. During a first interview with owner Brian Slucker just prior to the one-year milestone (see Q&A interview on Jacksonville BUZZ online), he described the original location as a place where people can have a
drink or fill a growler from an award winning draft selection, while meeting
great people in a "chill" environment. Along with 42 taps (36 beer and 4 wine), the bar is also known for its free pizza and barbecues. The tap list at Brewz is displayed on digital screens above the bar.
With the addition of the second location, Brewz has brought on two general managers, one for each bar. Krista Edsall will manage the Bartram spot. When asked why Brewz has been so popular, she said, "We customer service the heck out of people!" Looking to make everyone feel welcome in the bar, the staff works at remembering customers' names and preferences. "People know when they come in that they are going to get great beer, amazing service, and an all-around positive experience" that makes them want to return.
Why Bartram Park? Without many options for craft beer in this growing area, Brian saw it as a location with a "need for a great place to grab some after work drinks, relax and watch sports games, fill a Growler to go, or meet up with a group of friends." Also, it's "locally-centered, so it's the perfect place."
The new bar is larger than the original in terms of physical size and drinks menu. Krista adds that Bartram will have 47 taps, with eight of those being wine. In addition, three are nitro taps, which will pour nitro beer and nitro cold brew coffee. The facility has a larger outdoor patio space. Nonetheless, "the selection, quality, service, and atmosphere will be the same standard as we have at the Atlantic Beach location," confirms Krista.
According to Krista, when Brewz Bartram opens at noon on Saturday, guests will be able to shuttle between both the original and new locations, via shuttle bus, beginning at 11am at the Atlantic Beach bar. Not only will riders get a lift to the new venue, there will also be growlers of beer on the bus to enjoy en route.
Hours for the Bartram Park store will be the same as at the original bar: Monday-Thursday, noon-10pm; Friday-Saturday, noon-11pm; and Sunday, noon-8pm. Hours may change depending on how the public responds.
What will Brian be doing now that there are two bars and two general managers? Customers will see him at both locations, although he'll have more focus on "behind the scenes" activities such as ordering and marketing, with the increased staff to handle customer service.
Some final thoughts from Brian and Krista: "We just want to thank everyone who has made Brewz the amazing place that it is, and we look forward to the opportunity to bring more people in to the Brewz family!"
Congratulations to Brewz!
Cheers,
Linda Johnson,
Certified Cicerone®