Tampa Brewery Closes Tasting Room After $4.15M Property Sale

Hidden Springs Ale Works announced on Monday that it will close its Tampa Heights tasting room on Sunday, Dec. 20, following the recent sale of its building. The brewery, located at 1631 N. Franklin St., opened in September 2015 and will begin searching for a new site to continue operations.

The decision to leave follows a change in building ownership. Records from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser indicate that the property was acquired in August for $4.15 million. The buyers were Channelside Partners LLC and Abacus Ybr LLC, entities connected to Raj Patel. Patel has been assembling property in the Channelside district since 2015 and currently serves as the at-large chair of the Tampa Heights Riverfront Community Advisory Committee.

The brewery stated that the new owners have a different model in mind for the space. Hidden Springs said it chose to remain true to its craft rather than pivot away from its identity. The company noted that its cans and draft products will remain available at local grocery stores, bars, and bottle shops during the transition.

The closing weekend offers final opportunities for customers to visit the taproom. Adjusted hours for the final period include Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Staff members are encouraged to be supported through the closure.

The 1600 block of Franklin Street, known as Yellow Brick Row, is undergoing changes. A new tea concept recently opened nearby, and the Peppermint Lounge is expected to open soon. The Peppermint Lounge is operated by Ty Rodriguez, a co-founder of Rooster & the Till. Across the street, the Hail Mary sports bar remains under construction, despite a planned opening date of last January.

The brewery described its departure as part of the ongoing turnover in the neighborhood. It expressed intent to stay in the area while securing a permanent home aligned with its roots.