USA, FL: Emerald Republic Brewing Co. ready to open its doors on December 5
Emerald Republic Brewing Co. will add to the wave of development just west of downtown Pensacola when the new craft brewery opens to the public this Thursday, December 5, the Pensacola News Journal reported on December 2.
The totally gutted and revamped former auto parts garage on the corner of H and Government streets is now the home of a brand new taproom, brew house, game room and spacious 10,000-square-foot outdoor patio that wraps around the building.
When it came to the design and layout, husband-and-wife owners Phillip and Veronique Zayas said they simply tried to create a space they'd personally enjoy visiting.
"It's a place we'd feel we'd want to hang out in," Phillip Zayas said. "I like games, good beer and fun with friends, getting to know people. I think having some foosball and some arcade games is pretty fun for people, just to help them take their minds off things."
Original 2018 story: Emerald Republic Brewing Co. to open in Pensacola on West Government in 2019
Phillip Zayas first envisioned opening his own brewery a decade ago, and he's been schooled on craft brewing and has been working tirelessly on his art form since. The certified cicerone doesn't want to tip his hand to the specific beers that will pour from Emerald Republic's taps when it first opens, but the husband and wife are confident patrons will be pleased.
"They will be a surprise day of," Veronique Zayas said of the new brewery's opening day beer menu. "We'll definitely have some core beers, as well as some super small batch one-offs that will only be available at the opening."
Local art hangs or is painted on the taproom walls, and the lounge area features old-school arcade games like Pac Man and Mortal Kombat. There's also a foosball table, a shelf stacked with board games and a couch and arm chair.
A John Wick mural painted on the side of the property peers out onto the dog-friendly, gated-in outdoor patio. Seating includes roughly 20 combined standing tables and picnic tables to go along with cornhole and a huge hammock in the corner.
The 1414 W. Government St. brewery is just across the street from new restaurants like Alice's and Kingfisher. The owners said their new business neighbors have embraced them, and they're excited to acclimate to the community.
"We hope it's something that becomes like the neighborhood spot, especially for this area, because this area is developing so strongly," Veronique Zayas said.
Emerald Republic is planning a Friday the 13th party in December and a "funeral" party for the end of the year — coffin decor and all.
Down the line, Emerald Republic also plans to host beer educational classes.
The brewery will be open from 4-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from noon until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and from noon until 10 p.m. Sundays. For the launch this Thursday, Emerald Republic will open at 4 p.m. and won't close until midnight.
The Zayas couple also owns the parking lot directly across the street from their new brewery, where guests are welcome to park for free.
01 December, 2019
