The Urban Canning Company has officially opened their doors at 1040 4th Street North. The business has remained a popular fixture at local farmers markets and is now looking to serve St. Pete full time at their new store. The cannery was started by St. Pete native Illene Sofranko. 

*Photo via Urban Canning Company

The company offers an assortment of naturally preserved jams, pickles and beer mustards. Everything you see on their shelves is made by hand from start to finish. Sofranko was taught to can by her great uncle, who grew up in a coal miners town in the mountains of West Virginia. For her uncle and his family, canning was a neccessity if they hoped to survive a long winter. The skills and appreciation for the craft were passed down to Sofranko who has helped instill a similar sense of pride and adoration for the canning process in the local community. 

*Photo via Urban Canning Company

The store is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. On August 20 Urban Canning Company will host a grand opening celebration from 6 to 9pm. The event will feature whiskey coffee cocktails, kombucha, local brews, doughnuts and more. Click here to learn more about the company and their new location. You can also catch them at the Saturday Morning Market in Williams Park and the Tampa Indie Flea the third Sunday of each month. They also plan to host classes at their store on a rotating basis.