Beer lovers, and manatee lovers, rejoice! A new brewery is about to open in Bonita Springs and we’ve got your inside scoop.

The story behind Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co.

Owners Gary and Josh have both been brewing beer at their homes for over a decade. Homebrewing requires a lot of trial and error, research,  and creativity. Many homebrewers take to the internet to learn from other brewers and share their stories, which is exactly how this pair met! Gary and Josh were part of a small group of homebrewers that made YouTube videos about the process- later to be coined Brewtubers!

Gary and Josh not only learned from each other’s videos but also took notes from other Brewtubers around the world. Over the years, they’ve picked up tips and tricks from the best brewers that they now incorporate into their brews at Chubby Mermaid.

The pair dreamt of one day owning a brewery, and together with their wives, they have made that dream a reality right here in Bonita Springs! After years of hard work, they are finally ready to open their doors.

Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co.

28292 Industrial Rd. Unit 1. Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Chubby Mermaid is located in the new industrial park off of Old 41 near the former dog track. The space has been meticulously perfected by Gary and Josh who built it out together. In the daytime, light pours in through soaring windows and glass garage doors that can be opened when the weather cools. At night, the beautiful, custom bar illuminates with LED lights, and Edison Lights sparkle above. The space also offers a lounge area with a TV which adds another fun spot to enjoy a coldone while overlooking the brewery.

On top of their extensive, draft list, the brewery also serves wine  and food! Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co. features an on-site restaurant along with rotating food trucks. The menu will feature all of your favorite bar food like pizza, giant pretzels, loaded nachos, buffalo wings, burgers, and more! The restaurant will be open during normal business hours, which are 11 AM – 9 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11 AM – 11 PM Friday & Saturday and 12 – 9 PM Sunday. The owners are waiting on their final health inspection before they can officially open their kitchen. In the meantime, food trucks will be available!

What is a Chubby Mermaid?

The term Chubby Mermaid refers to our Gulf-dwelling neighbor- The manatee! Every year, the brewery will donate a portion of its proceeds to the Save the Manatee Club.

Chubby Mermaid Opening Day

The brewery will open its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday, October 24th from 4:30-7:30 PM when it hosts Grumpy Goat’s weekly “Wandering Goat” sampling event.

Chubby Mermaid will officially open for business on Saturday, October 26th from 11 AM to 11 PM. The owners are currently planning a grand opening event which will be announced on their social media in the coming weeks.

 

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