Something’s Brewing in Flagler Village

SOMETHING’S BREWING IN FLAGLER VILLAGE
Invasive Species Brewing To Open Artisan Brew Pub

(Ft. Lauderdale – April 2017) – The City of Fort Lauderdale has approved another Northwest–Progresso- Flagler Community Redevelopment Agency (NPF CRA) incentive program applicant,  Invasive Species Brewing, LLC in the amount $110,353. The purpose for the money is to renovate the building and site at 726 NE 2 Avenue and purchase equipment to construct an artisan brew pub.   The incentive funding package for the brewery and tap room consists of $85,557 from the Property and Business Improvement Program and $24,796 from the CRA Facade Program.  The pub is located just south of the Flagler Greenway in the Flagler Village neighborhood.

Invasive Species Brewing is a partnership of brewers and co-founders Phil Gillis, former brewer at the Funky Buddha and Josh Levitt, former brewer at MIA Brewing Co.  They have teamed up with Chris and Jordan Bellus, the brothers who founded and operate Laser Wolf, a popular bar in Progresso Plaza since 2010.

“We are thrilled with the resurgence in the Flagler Village area, which can be largely credited to the assistance of the CRA, and extremely thankful for the CRA Board’s recommendation for assistance,” says Josh Levitt, co-owner of Invasive Species Brewing, “We are looking forward to becoming a big part of the local community and an exciting destination for residents.”

Invasive Species Brewing has leased the property since January 2016.  They have a five year lease with two 5 year options to renew.   The pair have invested over $200,000 of their own capital to date on project expenses including renovating the interior structure and the purchase of brewery equipment.   CRA Funding will be used for additional interior and exterior renovation consisting of new windows and doors, electrical and AC upgrades, sidewalk, landscaping and irrigation.   In addition, funding will be used for the purchase of additional brewery equipment.  The incentive program funding is provided as a 5-year forgivable loan.  Invasive Species Brewing estimates that the new business at full operation will create 13 to 15 jobs and are committed to giving priority in hiring to residents of the NPF CRA.  With the additional funding provided by the CRA, they plan on opening for business in the Summer 2017.

#                #                #

About the Mosaic Group

The Mosaic Group is a full service events management, marketing and public relations firm, which employ experienced specialists to make any event, campaign and community involvement effort successful.  Our clients are organizations that are interested in diversification, increasing their visibility in the community and developing mass marketing opportunities.