A Jacksonville brewery has quietly poured its final beers, bringing an end to a local taproom that had been part of the city’s growing craft beer scene. The closure comes amid a dispute over unpaid rent and leaves another brewery space empty in Northeast Florida.
The Jacksonville location has closed
Voodoo Brewing Co.’s Jacksonville brewpub closed its doors on September 15, according to local reports. The location was a franchise operation of Pennsylvania-based Voodoo Brewing Co., which has expanded its beer brand through taprooms and franchise locations across the country.
The Jacksonville location’s closure was tied to a legal dispute involving unpaid rent, with the amount reportedly exceeding $75,000.
The franchisees reportedly do not plan to reopen the Jacksonville location, effectively ending the brewpub’s run.
A difficult time for craft breweries
The closure comes as Florida’s craft beer industry faces a challenging period.
Breweries and taprooms across the country have dealt with rising operating costs, changing consumer habits, increased competition, and a crowded craft beer market. Tampa Bay, in particular, has recently seen several brewery closures, highlighting the broader pressures facing independent beer businesses.
Jacksonville has also developed a competitive craft beer scene in recent years, with local breweries and national brands competing for customers.
Another change for Jacksonville’s beer scene
Voodoo Brewing Co.’s Jacksonville closure represents another shift in the city’s growing food and beverage industry.
While the brewery’s departure does not necessarily signal the end of the location’s future as a food or beverage business, the closure adds another vacant space to Jacksonville’s restaurant and bar market.
For customers who frequented the taproom, however, the change means one more local spot for craft beer is no longer serving.
The Jacksonville closure also underscores the financial challenges facing brewery operators, even as craft beer remains an established part of Florida’s dining and nightlife culture.
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