Trinity, FL — Escape Brewing, a staple in Florida’s craft beer landscape for over a decade, is set to unveil its rebranding as The Collective at Escape, coinciding with a move to a new, larger location. This transition marks a significant milestone for the brewery, which will celebrate its soft opening on October 25, 2024, ahead of a grand opening planned for late fall.
The new venue will dramatically increase Escape Brewing’s production capacity, expanding from 2,000 to 4,500 barrels annually. The revamped taproom will offer 20 taps, featuring an extensive selection of seasonal and specialty beers alongside beloved favorites like the award-winning The Other West Coast IPA and a new light American lager aptly named The Collective.
Co-founder John McGregor expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries, creating new brands, and offering more variety while still serving our fan-favorite beers. This expansion allows our brewers to get more creative and have more fun in the brewing process.”
In addition to its innovative beer offerings, The Collective at Escape will introduce a food hall that showcases six of Tampa Bay’s most exciting culinary establishments. Highlights from the food hall include:
Gallito Taqueria: Authentic Mexican street food featuring signature quesabirria tacos.
Dang Dude: Asian-inspired street food offering noodles, dumplings, and spring rolls.
Jimmy Renner’s Burger Co.: Handcrafted smash burgers and fried chicken.
3 Corners Pizza: Bold-flavored pizzas, stuffed subs, and crisp salads.
Florida Donut Lab: A variety of sweet, savory, and boozy donuts paired with gourmet coffee.
ĀTO Burrito and Bowls: Custom rolls, burritos, and bowls.
Co-founder Matt Thompson shared his excitement about the new venture, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring together amazing food and great beer. This will be a place for the community to come together and enjoy incredible craft beer paired with some of the best local eats.”
Upcoming Events
The soft opening on October 25 will kick off a weekend of festivities at The Collective at Escape. A Halloween-themed Night Market will follow on October 26, featuring a costume contest, live music, and local vendors. Families can also partake in a Trunk-or-Treat event on October 27, making it an inclusive weekend for all ages. The complete food hall will officially open later this fall, with updates available on The Collective at Escape’s social media channels.
Escape Brewing’s Legacy
Founded in 2014 by John McGregor and Matt Thompson, Escape Brewing has been a cornerstone of Florida’s craft beer scene. Originally located in Trinity, the brewery quickly gained popularity for its innovative and high-quality beers, earning multiple awards over the years. The brewery has expanded its operations from a 3-barrel brewhouse to a 10-barrel system to meet growing demand while staying true to its commitment to craft and creativity. Currently, Escape Brewing’s offerings are available in over 400 locations throughout Florida, including major retailers like Publix, Whole Foods, and ABC Liquors.
Escape Brewing has garnered numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the World Beer Cup for Poolside Chill Sour and a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival for Goofy Footed Wheat Ale. The brewery has also won multiple gold medals at the Best Florida Beer Competition for its flagship beers, including The Other West Coast IPA, Scandalous Double IPA, and You’re Never Out Hazy IPA.
With its rebranding as The Collective at Escape, the brewery is poised for continued growth and community engagement in Florida’s Sports Coast.
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