Mergers and Acquisitions

Big Changes Are Underway in the Bradenton Craft Beer Scene

The Darwin Brewing Co. brand has been sold to a Clearwater brewery, while its physical location has been acquired by a Tampa brewery.

By Marc Griffin December 22, 2021

Darwin Brewing Co.

Image: Gene Pollux

There's a big shakeup happening in the Bradenton craft beer scene. Clearwater's Big Storm Brewing Co. recently purchased the Darwin Brewing Co. brand, but not its physical brewery, which will soon become home to a new location for Tampa's Magnanimous Brewing.

"Darwin Brewing Co. has a solid reputation for brewing the highest quality beers with an eye towards innovation and food pairs," said Big Storm co-owner L.J. Govoni, according to a press release. "We are excited to grow this hyper-local brand throughout Florida." Big Storm is currently looking for a new home for Darwin, according to the release.

Darwin Brewing was one of the first breweries to open locally during the area's original craft beer boom, and became a popular hangout thanks to its welcoming front yard and its proximity to LECOM Park across the street.

That location will soon become a second location for Magnanimous Brewing, a Tampa brewery that announced it would be taking over the old Darwin space last week. Plans call for the new Magnanimous to be open in 2022.

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