Since our last update, Green Bench co-owners Nathan Stonecipher and Steven Duffy did hit a slight snagg in the search for a brewmaster. Despite buzz surrounding the arrival of Matt Manthe, who spent time at Thomas Creek Brewery in South Carolina and was obtaining a formal education as a brewmaster in Berlin, Germany, he suddenly quit without much explanation. They’ve since recovered and regrouped with the arrival of Khris Johnson who seems to be enthusiastic about sharing his beer brewing talents with the community. 

"All the local breweries will collaborate for the opening night of Green Bench," says Johnson who sees the community as close-knit and willing to support each other. 

With all of the beer brewed on site, Green Bench will be the first of its kind in St. Pete. Bar-goers will be able to hang out at the brewery tasting room or the outdoor beergarden, which looks to re-create a slice of old St. Pete with green benches, hexagon blocks, a fire pit and live music. 

The front doors that will lead into the brewery are located on Baum Ave. N., which faces Central Ave., and they have plans to seek an address change to help lure traffic from Central Ave.

According to Stonecipher and Duffy,Green Bench Brewing Co. is expected to open in September. With the most recent arrival of the gigantic metal brewing vats, there’s certainly no turning back for those boys, now.

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