In a sad announcement for the local craft beer community, St. Pete’s Avid Brew Company announced this week that it is closing at the end of the month. The popular spot in Grand Central started as one of the city’s first homebrewing shops, and eventually opened its own microbrewery and bar in the back of the store.

The brewery had just undergone extensive renovations a couple years ago, though they are now one of many businesses on the block moving out as a new development project comes in. As of now, we’re unsure what the future holds for Avid beyond the assurance that “good things are coming,” though the shop and brewery are both undergoing a bit of a firesale, with brewing goods heavily marked down.

Of course, what kind of brewery would they be if the final days weren’t turned into a big party? To commemorate a wonderful run in the neighborhood, Avid is throwing a Grand Closing Party on New Year’s Eve, complete with all-you-can-drink beer for $20, live bands, and deep discounts on supplies in the brewing store.

We’d expect – and we certainly hope – to see Avid open in a new location in the future, and we’ll be sure to follow their plans when the time comes. Stay tuned for updates from other businesses in the area, such as Lolita’s, Dirty Laundry, and The Burg Bar & Grill.

More from Avid: “Its time to celebrate the life of Avid Brew Company and ring in 2023. Good things are coming but this will be our last day at our amazing little brewery and store. So we are going out big. Bands and Beer. $20 bucks all you drink Beer. Let’s drain the taps!!! Huge discounts on remaining inventory in the shop. Hope to see you here…”

Avid Brew Company is located at 1745 1st Ave S, and is open 12-8 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 12-10 pm on Friday and Saturday. The closest SunRunner stop is just a few blocks down on 22nd Street, where Avid is one of more than half a dozen breweries within walking distance.

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