USA, FL: Fat Point Brewing hold soft opening of new Sarasota brewery

Fat Point Brewing, a new player in the Bradenton-Sarasota craft beer scene, recently had its soft opening at 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Unit 90, in University Town Center, Yahoo News reported on July 19.

The brewery takes its name from Punta Gorda, which translates from Spanish as “Fat Point,” where the waters of Peace River and Gasparilla Sound meet.

Fat Point was founded in Punta Gorda in 2012, where it introduced brews like Bru Man Chu Belgian Trippel, the Ryeght Angle rye IPA and Oatmeal Stout.

Fat Point staff is still finishing equipment installation at UTC, including for its brewing operation, Justin Poppa, one of Fat Point’s partners, said on July 18.

The brewery will have a full kitchen, but for now is offering a limited menu, including chips and salsa, wings (ghost pepper or Buffalo), coconut shrimp and fries.

Fat Point is in a 2,500-square-foot space and offers inside and outside seating.

“We are appreciative of all the support Benderson Development has given us. It’s exciting to be part of the UTC community,” Poppa said.

Soft opening hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and Fat Point is working toward a grand opening in a couple of weeks, Poppa said.

Fat Point does not currently have a brewery in Punta Gorda, but is working to reestablish one there, Poppa said.

The brewery announced its plans to open in UTC in November, and announced its soft opening on social media.

“Fat Point is a brand built by the support of the community, and we’re very excited to bring our brand to this new community at UTC,” LJ Govoni, president of Fat Point Brewing Co. , said in a press release in November.

“The location will feature a significant number of taps for brewed-on-site exclusives and an inviting outdoor beer garden for socializing while you sip on great beers best enjoyed in the sun,” Govoni said.

Other new restaurants that have recently opened in UTC or in University Park in southern Manatee County include Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Yard House, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Post Kitchen and Bar, Crumbl Cookies and Kelly’s Roast Beef.

19 July, 2023